On Mar 16, 3:35*pm, John McGaw wrote:
On 3/16/2011 2:52 PM, mj wrote:
snip....



How exactly do the bulbs know they are in pots? What is the "ground"
advantage?

The bulbs 'know' that they are in pots when their fine roots come to the
pot wall and can't go any further. Seriously, there are plants which, for
various reasons such as rampant spreading (bamboo) and seasonal removal to
a greenhouse (Brugmansia) , are planted in oversized pots which are placed
in the ground but tulips aren't in that select group. Tulips will benefit
from free access to soil moisture and nutrients and spread their roots to
the full extent possible before winter cold comes along and puts them into
dormancy. The very best grade of 'perennial' tulip bulb can be placed in
the ground and put on a good show for a number of years with no attention
at all beyond 'popping' the flower stalks after they go brown.

Ok I'll buy that, makes sense, but I have had the same result in the
garden.