If the pots are going to be outside then the bulbs need to be under the soil.

thank you moon growe for you quick and concise answer, under the soil they shall be,

I plant my outdoor hyacinths that are in containers just below the surface and then top up the compost later as the roots tend to force the bulbs upwards.

What are you planning to do with them, Monkey? If you are planning to force them to bloom early, in the winter and extremely early spring, plant them as for indoors, and keep them in a cold frame or under a coarse mulch, to prevent serious freezing. If you are planning on letting them bloom at the normal time, use a pot deep enough to allow 15 cm of soil under the bulbs, and 10 cm of soil over the bulbs, and sink them in the ground to keep them from freezing from the sides.

im planning to just let them grow naturally, no forcing, so what i can gather is to plant them 10 cm deep with 15cm to allow for root growth, but be prepared to top them with soil if the bulb starts to push its way north, goodo i have learnt more in an hour than i could have done by asking my friends,
thanks so much

Jimmytheone
Tugbrethil
moon growe

all help is gratefully received

steve