How to Plant Shamrock Bulbs

For a charming and distinctive addition to an outdoor landscape, consider growing a shamrock plant in a container. Shamrock plants grow from bulbs, produce lovely, tiny white flowers, and need two yearly dormancy periods in order to thrive. After resting in a protected dry location for several months, they return with renewed vigor.

Things You'll Need

• Container (10-inch diameter)
• Potting soil
• Shamrock bulb
• 10-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer

Instructions

1. Fill the planting container almost to the top with potting soil and dig a small hole in the center for the shamrock bulb. Place the bulb in the hole with the flat side facing down, at a depth equal to the height of the bulb.

2. Cover the bulb with potting soil, tamping down lightly with your hands. Generously water the newly planted shamrock bulb immediately after planting. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

3. Place the container in a location that does not have excessive heat or direct sun. Shamrock plants like sunlight, but will not tolerate it directly.

4. Watch the shamrock plant for signs that it is ready to enter a dormancy stage. The plant will fade and begin to drop leaves. When this happens, stop watering the shamrock plant and move it to a dry and cool location for approximately three months.

5. Move the shamrock plant out of its dormancy location after three months and fertilize it immediately with a 10-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer. Prepare the fertilizer according to package directions and pour it into the soil around the base of the plant. Begin to water it regularly again.

Tips & Warnings

• Fertilize the shamrock plant two to three times over a growing season.

• After several dormancy periods, re-pot the shamrock plant in a planting container with a 2-inch-larger diameter to accommodate growth. Gently loosen the root ball and then replant it at the same depth as in its previous container.

• Shamrock plants will grow happily outside in the summer but you must take them indoors before the autumn frost.

• Shamrock plants are toxic to animals.

References

• University of Arkansas: Shamrocks
• Phoenix Animal Care Coalition: Poison Control Hotlines