Planting bulbs with children is a great way to get them engaged with the garden, as the bulbs are large and easy for them to handle and the actual planting is very straightforward. The activity involves crumbling the soil with their hands, patting it down and sorting and placing the bulbs, I also let my children choose the bulbs we bought this year, which they loved doing. Im hoping they will remember what they chose when theyre flowering in the spring!
Autumn is the best time to plant spring flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, crocuses, irises and hyacinths as well as the more hardy summer flowering bulbs such as alliums, lilies and crocosmia. For more tender summer flowering bulbs such as gladioli its best to wait until the spring to plant them.
You dont need a garden to plant bulbs, as flowering bulbs look great in pots too and can be placed on a windowsill, balcony or front door step etc. We planted our bulbs in pots this year as weve just moved to a new home and Im not sure whats in the garden yet, we also have a patio to appreciate them on.
We layered our bulbs in the pots, in order to get a succession of different flowers throughout the spring (we only planted spring bulbs, but I might do some more with summer bulbs too).
Layering bulbs in a pot is a fun and easy way to create a beautiful spring flower display. By planting different types of bulbs in layers, you can create a succession of blooms that lasts for weeks. The technique is commonly called “Lasagna Planting” because you are layering the bulbs in a pot much like you would layers of lasagna noodles and sauce.
Why Layer Bulbs in a Pot?
There are a few key reasons why layering bulbs in a pot is such a great technique:
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Maximizes space – By stacking bulbs close together in layers, you can fit many more bulbs in a single pot compared to just planting one type of bulb. This allows you to create a fuller, more abundant flower display.
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Extends bloom time – Different bulb varieties bloom at different times in spring. By layering early, mid and late-blooming bulbs you can create a continuous bloom sequence that lasts 6-8 weeks.
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Adds depth and dimension – Layering bulbs creates a tiered effect as different flowers pop up at different heights over time This adds visual interest and depth to the arrangement
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Portability – Potted bulbs can be moved around to decorate patios, porches, and entryways and highlight their best features.
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No garden required – Anyone can enjoy spring bulbs by layering them in a pot, even if you don’t have space for a garden!
Bulb Varieties to Use for Layering
The key to a successful lasagna bulb pot is choosing varieties that bloom in sequence. Here are some of the best options:
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Early Bloomers: Crocus, Grape Hyacinth, Winter Aconite, Snowdrops, Squills
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Midseason Bloomers: Daffodils, Hyacinths, Alliums
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Late Bloomers: Tulips, Fritillaria, Irises, Lilies
Mix and match early, mid and late blooming bulbs to create your own customized spring flower show that fits your space and blooming preferences.
How to Layer Bulbs in a Pot
Layering bulbs in a pot only takes a few simple steps:
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Choose a container at least 12-16 inches deep. Fill the bottom 2-3 inches with potting mix or planting soil.
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Place your largest, late-blooming bulbs like tulips on this soil layer, evenly spaced. Cover with 3-4 inches more soil.
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Next add the midsize bulbs like daffodils and alliums, cover with more soil.
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Finally, add a layer of your smallest, earliest bloomers like crocus or grape hyacinth. Cover with 1-2 more inches of soil.
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Water thoroughly after planting and place the pot in a sunny, cool spot for 12-15 weeks so bulbs can grow roots before blooming.
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In spring, display in a sunny spot and enjoy weeks of flowers!
Tips for Successfully Layering Bulbs
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Use a plastic grow pot inside a decorative container. This makes it easier to move the heavy pot around after planting.
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Add slow release fertilizer to the soil to feed bulbs over time.
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For indoor forcing, choose mini varieties and keep in a cool, dark place for 15 weeks before bringing indoors.
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Add annuals like pansies on top for color after bulbs fade.
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Protect pots from extreme cold and wet over winter with insulation or an unheated garage space.
The Benefits of Layered Bulb Pots
Layering bulbs in pots takes a bit of planning but delivers outstanding results. Some of the benefits include:
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Gorgeous flowers – A full pot bursting with daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and more is a breathtaking spring sight.
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Longer bloom time – Bulbs overlap for 5-6 weeks of continuous color, not just a few days.
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Creativity and customization – Design your own perfect plant combinations.
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Adaptability – Use as porch, patio and entryway containers. Works in small spaces.
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Suitability for gifts – A layered bulb pot makes a long-lasting spring gift.
With a well-designed layered bulb pot, you can have spring flower color ready and waiting when you need it most. Just move the pot into a prominent place and enjoy springtime blooms even on cold dreary days. It’s an easy way to bring spring joy!
What you will need:
A selection of bulbs (we planted two varieties of daffodils, mixed coloured tulips, crocuses and small irisis), a bag of multipurpose compost and a plant pot or container with holes in the bottom.
How to plant layered bulbs in a pot:
- First fill your pot half full with the compost and crumble out any lumps in it. Then place your last flowering and largest bulbs on the first layer, they will need to be slightly wider apart than the instructions on the packet say. Always place your bulbs with the most pointed end facing upwards, however if youre ever unsure which way to place the bulb, lay them on their side and they will still grow upwards.
- Next, spread a layer of compost over the bulbs, enough to completely cover them and then place your next layer of bulbs on top of the compost, it doesnt matter if the bulbs are directly placed on top of each other as the plants will find a way to grow around the bulbs if this happens.
- Finally plant your top layer of bulbs. We planted a few pots with varying layers of bulbs.
When youve planted up your pot(s), you can plant something on the top if you wish, a plant that will flower during the autumn and early winter months such as some bought cyclamens would look lovely, as nothing will be growing in them until the late winter, or you can just leave the pot(s) outdoors somewhere, which is what we did, until they flower in the spring. They will need the occasional water, but not much, as bulbs dont like to sit in soaking wet compost.
The Art of PLANTING BULBS in POTS & CONTAINERS Explained: LAYERING Tulips, Daffodils AND Crocus
FAQ
In what order do I layer my bulbs?
You want to make at least three layers (you can do more if you’re feeling brave!) with early spring flowering bulbs at the top, mid-spring flowering in the middle, and late spring flowering bulbs at the bottom.
How many bulbs should I plant together in a pot?
For daffodils and tulips, ten to twelve in a group is best. I like when they emerge looking like a bouquet of flowers, and large swaths or drifts of blooms planted closely is beautiful. For daffodils and tulips, I only give them two to three inches apart.
Can I plant bulbs on top of each other?
It’s best not to plant bulbs directly on top of each other to ensure their roots won’t be crowded. Repeat the process for the top layer, and water deeply. Succession planting and lasagna layering tend to go hand in hand; after all, your bulbs are sharing the same soil and, therefore, the same nutrients.