Planting outdoor bulbs in containers and pots

• Choose a container or pot with drainage holes, ensuring they remain clear
  to allow excess water to drain. Place a piece of crock over large drainage
  holes to prevent compost washing out.
• Fill the container or pot with SylvaGrow® Bulb Compost, leaving enough space to plant the bulbs at the recommended planting depth for the bulb type (see bulb packaging for guidance).
• Gently fill in around and over the bulbs with more SylvaGrow® Bulb Compost to achieve their recommended planting depth, pressing lightly to remove air pockets. Leave a 2-3 cm gap below the rim for watering.
• Give a thorough initial watering. Keep the compost moist, but never waterlogged. Reduce watering once foliage dies back.
• You can incorporate slow-release fertiliser granules according to the manufacturer’s instructions at the time of potting.
• For a perfect finishing touch, top the surface with one of our horticultural pot dressings.
  Note: Add extra Melcourt Horticultural Potting Grit (around 20%) to SylvaGrow® Bulb Compost if your containers are in a particularly wet spot.

Planting indoor bulbs in containers and pots

1. Indoor bulbs such as prepared hyacinths, paperwhite narcissi, and amaryllis need slightly different handling since they’re generally grown for an earlier indoor display.
2. Choose a container or pot with suitable drainage holes. Place a piece of crock over large drainage holes to prevent compost washing out. If using a decorative pot without holes, be mindful not to overwater. Ideally use another pot inside the decorative container to avoid the compost becoming soggy.
3. Fill the container or pot with SylvaGrow® Bulb Compost, leaving enough space to plant the bulbs at the recommended planting depth for the bulb type (see bulb packaging for guidance). In shallow or ‘bulb bowls’, you can plant more densely, with bulbs almost touching.
4. Water lightly and evenly to dampen the compost.
5. Some indoor bulbs require a cool, dark rooting period before flowering. Follow the instructions supplied with the bulbs, as requirements vary depending on the bulb type. Once shoots reach 3-5 cm, move the pot gradually into a warm, bright position.
6. Once flowering has finished indoors, allow the foliage to die back naturally before planting the bulbs outdoors in the garden.

Pot dressing

Finish your bulb display with a decorative pot dressing. Apply a 1-2 cm layer over the compost surface, leaving a small gap around the shoots. A pot dressing helps improve surface drainage and prevents compost from splashing onto flowers during watering, keeping blooms clean and attractive.
Discover the Melcourt range of decorative pot dressings.

• Use in a ventilated place and avoid breathing in dust.
• When handling compost: Always wear gardening gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after use.
• Seal bag after use to avoid drying out and to prevent contamination.
• Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
• Please note that under certain conditions a white mould may appear on the surface of particles. This is entirely normal and not harmful to humans, plants or pets.

• The polythene bag containing the product is strong enough to be re-used, for example, as a hanging basket liner, as a sturdy container for canes, or for taking green waste to the tip.
• The SylvaGrow packaging has been manufactured using at least 30% post-consumer waste plastic. We are working with our suppliers to increase this level as quickly as we can. The bag is 100% recyclable but check regionally for local recycling options.

• Fresh compost is always best. For great results use SylvaGrow within the season of purchase and preferably within a year of manufacture. Check on the side of the pack for the date of manufacture.
• See the Melcourt website for further information on use by dates.