I have daffodil and hyacinth bulbs in containers on my front porch. It is a southwestern exposure so they get good sun.

Over the years I have noticed a decline in the amount they bloom. Every year it is a little less. I am assuming that is because I have them in pots and that I need to fertilize them to make up for not being in the ground.

My question is what should I fertilize them with and when should I do it?

Thanks!

I am zone 8b & we don't feed until fall right before they should be coming up.

I do a lot of bulbs in pots the first year, then move them to the ground. So, I do need to feed. Van Engelen / Scheepers bulbs recommends 3 times http://www.vanengelen.com/narc... . I sometimes miss that middle one when the sprouts emerge, but try to always catch fertilizing after bloom to help next year's bulb development. I stopped using bonemeal because - as they pointed out - animals dig it up. I used to use it at my previous home but can't now that I live rurally. In pots, I use a time release when I first plant them, then for ease of use I go to Miracle-gro. The Van Engelen instructions are assuming ground. With pots, if you're keeping them in the same soil year to year it becomes like being planted in sand - no nutrients left at all. You might try a time release and keep it up every 3 months - for now, I'd go ahead with something like Miracle-gro (strong) to give them an extra boost.

Thanks for the info, Maggie.