Winter bulbs like paperwhites and hyacinths add color and beauty to our home, even in the dark days of winter. Many of these varieties have the added bonus of being incredibly fragrant as well, and can make fantastic gifts for friends and family. Many bulbs grow well indoors and can be planted in nearly any type of container. You can re-use jam jars or mason jars, ceramic pots or tureens, terrariums or even vintage ware like teacups or copper pots. Take a look at some of these interesting container ideas for your indoor bulbs.

The best bulbs for “forcing” indoors during the winter are:

Look for containers that are shallow. If you have a deep container (over 6″) try filling the space with rocks or water. The tops of the bulbs can rest high, even as high as the rim of the container. Since the roots grow downward, allow about 2″ for the roots. In general, the bulbs can be placed next to each other. Follow the instructions on your bulb packet for best results.

Found rocks in a clear vase make for a minimalist bulb display.

Found rocks in a clear vase make for a minimalist bulb display. Image credit: Lindsay Stephenson

When paperwhites grow tall, keep them straight with a pretty, wide ribbon. Image credit: Southern Living

When paperwhites grow tall, keep them straight with a pretty, wide ribbon. Image credit: Southern Living

This mass of grape hyacinths look so pretty in an old fruit crate. Image credit: Real Simple

This mass of grape hyacinths look so pretty in an old fruit crate. Image credit: Real Simple

Try using your favorite shallow dish or container, like this pretty blue and white ceramic piece. Image credit: Our Best Bites

Try using your favorite shallow dish or container, like this pretty blue and white ceramic piece. Image credit: Our Best Bites

These vintage enamel containers look amazing with this mass of bulbs on display. Image credit: The Garden Glove

These vintage enamel containers look amazing with this mass of bulbs on display. Image credit: The Garden Glove

Try mixing several different bulb types in one container for a dramatic impact. You may need to chill certain bulbs, like tulips. Image credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Try mixing several different bulb types in one container for a dramatic impact. You may need to chill certain bulbs, like tulips. Image credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Bulbs can be grown in small containers too, like these tea cups. Image credit: Country Living

Bulbs can be grown in small containers too, like these tea cups. Image credit: Country Living

This low, wooden tray works great for forced bulbs. A bit of moss helps soften the edges. Image credit: Gardenista

This low, wooden tray works great for forced bulbs. A bit of moss helps soften the edges. Image credit: Gardenista

Recycled glass jars, like mason jars, make a perfect container for your bulbs. Image credit: Wenderly

Recycled glass jars, like mason jars, make a perfect container for your bulbs. Image credit: Wenderly

Small bulbs can even fit inside an empty eggshell! Image credit: HGTV

Small bulbs can even fit inside an empty eggshell! Image credit: HGTV

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