Most bulbs will grow and bloom in Sunnyvale. Many good local nurseries are nearby, and as a new to the area gardener, make the rounds. I am sure you will get advice from local gardeners as to which are their favorites. Al

There's a wonderful write-up about mild-winter bulbs in this forum's FAQ's (http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/calif/2003113224023104.html)

Al (calistoga) has had wonderful success with tulips (and probably many other not-recommended-for-California bulbs with some extra effort. The Northern Cal Hort Society has a great many members who grow all manner of beautifully-adapted bulbs; contact them and get involved.

Joe

Here is a link that might be useful: FAQ: Bulbs for California

Forgive me -- I just read the line that you're going to be growing them in containers.

Good news, bad news.

The good news is, you can grow pretty much any kind of bulb for one season in a container. Whatever you find at nurseries will work for you.

The bad news is that you should expect only one season from the bulbs in containers and then you toss them. Essentially, then, climate isn't a factor here.

Joe

If you are a daffodil fan, not to be missed is the spring display of the bulbs in Point Reyes national park (across from the hostel) or Daffodil Hill in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Sutter Creek (where the CA gold rush began), which has close to 300,000 daffodils of various types.

{{gwi:557759}}

I don't grow daffodils, but I have purchased lilies from John Scheepers and I got the lilies I ordered, which is a nice surprise.
Renee

Here is a link that might be useful: John Scheepers

Highway 128 through the Alexander Valley, in spring you will find the highway right of way blooming with daffodils, they look like King Alfred, that have been planted by the local farmers. These have been blooming for years, out competing the roadside weeds, for nutrients. The amount of water from the winter rains is plenty. This is in eastern Sonoma county. Al

Anchita, Most bulbs will do fine as annuals , However there are many bulbs which will be perrenial in Sunnyvale, and in pots as well. The limiting factor is lack of winter chill - those below do not require extended chill hours.
Some which you should try include:
Amarylis hybrids (Hippeastrum)
Amarcrinum
Eucomis (pineapple lily)
Sparaxis
Tulips - T. batalii has done well in pots for me.
Daffodils, For large Trumpets only Ice Follies is dependable here. Otherwise grow the tazetta types - however in pots the leaves tend to be overwhelming...
Lilies - LA hybrid, and some Orienpets do very well in pots.

that's a good start

Chad

Try Easy to Grow Bulbs. I have used them extensively and always been pleased. Prices are very good and they have a tool where you plug in your zip code and it will list the bulbs you should try. All should grow well in pots and some should come back year after year. I have grow Erlicheer for years and it comes back every year. Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Easy to Grow Bulbs

Al, thank you for the tips. I'll be sure to take the drive to see the Daffs blooming there in the spring... it sounds beautiful!

Joe, it is great to know that almost any bulbs will grow here for a season... If they come back, it'll certainly be a bonus.

dicot, I can't wait for spring to visit the Point Reyes nat'l seashore and Daffodil hill. They look amazing, and my kids will be thrilled to see such a display too!

hosenemesis, thanks for that link and recommendation. I'll check it out.

Chad, thanks so much for the specifics. I already had my eye on Amaryllis (had to give away the ones I had in Dallas) and will definitely be getting some others you mentioned.

gardenerme, thank you for the website. I've been on it before and they do seem to have good bulbs for warmer climates. I love Erlicheer for their fragrance (and form) and it will be wonderful if they came back. Will definitely be putting some in!