The unique thing with bulbs is you see them in Spring but can only plant them in Autumn. I am often asked questions about my design and layout of bulbs and when they are in flower. People have asked me how they got their bulb containers to flower for such a long time this year and how they were able to get so many bulbs in one place. I will explain this by showing you how to layer plant bulbs. This is a technique the experts use to maximise colour from one space….
You will need to save this blog page and use it when the bulbs start to show up in garden centers at the start of September.
When it comes to bulbs, some do better at different depths, and spring-flowering bulbs bloom at different times in the spring.
In your own garden there’s a great way to take advantage of this diversity, and it’s called layer-planting. I’m going to show you how it’s done.
Layering flower bulbs in pots and borders, which is also called “lasagne planting,” makes a beautiful, ever-changing feature that gives you the most color all spring long.
If you plant the right bulbs, lasagne will bloom from January to May without having to be replanted several times.
You should make at least three layers, but you can do more if you’re brave! Put early spring flowering bulbs at the top, mid-spring flowering bulbs in the middle, and late spring flowering bulbs at the bottom.
When it comes to container gardening, most people stick to arranging a single type of plant in each pot. But for a longer season of color, consider layering different bulbs in one container. This technique maximizes blooms in a small space. Just think of it as creating a delicious veggie lasagna, but with flowers instead!
Layering bulbs in pots results in waves of blooms over weeks or months. It’s an easy way to get more bang for your buck from flowering bulbs. Follow this beginner’s guide to successfully layer bulbs for stunning container gardens.
How Does Bulb Layering Work?
The concept is simple: start by planting larger, later blooming bulbs on the bottom. Cover them with soil, then add smaller, earlier blooming bulbs. Keep layering bulbs that flower in sequence.
The bulbs sprout and grow through the soil layers at different times. The earliest bulbs send up blooms first then as they fade the mid-season bloomers take over. Finally the late bloomers emerge last from the bottom layer.
With the right bulb combo, you get continuous waves of color. It’s gorgeous!
Why Layer Bulbs in Pots?
Beyond extended bloom time, here are some benefits of layering flower bulbs:
- Fill containers with more plants in less space
- Create depth and dimension in pots
- Mix and match different colors and bloom forms
- Disguise fading foliage of early bloomers
- Provide food for pollinators over time
- Get more enjoyment from each pot
Once you try this technique, you’ll find it’s addictive. The layered effect is just so lush and vibrant!
Choosing Bulbs for Layering
Pick 2-4 bulbs that:
- Bloom in spring or fall
- Require similar care in terms of sunlight, water and nutrients
- Flower in sequence from early to late
- Have foliage sizes and heights that complement each other
Some classic combinations include:
- Crocus, daffodil, tulip
- Grape hyacinth, tulip, allium
- Anemone, ranunculus, freesia
- Snowdrop, iris, lily
Match flowers of similar heights so they blend nicely as they bloom. Or intentionally layer tall and short varieties for drama.
Steps for Layering Bulbs in Pots
Follow these simple steps for success:
1. Select Appropriate Container
Choose containers with drainage holes and use a potting mix formulated for bulbs. Terra cotta, plastic, ceramic and wood planters all work.
Match pot size to mature bulb foliage and root size so they don’t become overcrowded. Bigger is better to allow ample room for growth.
2. Add Drainage Material
Place an inch or two of gravel, stones, pebbles, or packing peanuts in the bottom of the container for drainage.
3. Start with Largest Bulbs
Arrange the bulbs that bloom latest and have the biggest foliage as the bottom layer. Place them closely without actually touching.
Cover bulbs with 2-3 inches of potting mix.
4. Repeat with Smaller Bulbs
Add layers of smaller bulbs that bloom earlier in the season. Cover each layer completely with potting mix before adding the next.
5. Top Off with Mix
The top layer should be small, early spring bloomers like crocus, grape hyacinth or species tulips.
Leave 1-2 inches of potting mix above the final layer of bulbs.
6. Water Thoroughly After Planting
Water well to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Allow pots to drain fully.
Caring for Layered Bulb Pots
Give your bulb lasagna pots the same care you would give containers with single bulb varieties. Here are some tips:
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Water when the top few inches of mix become dry. Don’t let pots totally dry out.
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Fertilize lightly with a balanced soluble fertilizer a few weeks after bulbs sprout.
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Set containers in bright, indirect light. Turn periodically for even growth.
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Bring pots indoors or move to a protected spot if hard frost threatens.
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Remove fading foliage and blooms promptly to improve appearance.
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Allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming.
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Store dormant bulbs in a cool, dark place until replanting.
Design Inspiration for Layered Bulbs
Beyond round pots, consider unique vessel shapes like squares, rectangles, and cascading forms. Shallow pans make it easy to appreciate the layered effect.
For holidays, select bulbs in coordinating colors like pink, red and white for Valentine’s Day or orange and yellow for fall.
Try themed pots like all white blooms or cool blues. Complementary flower forms like frilly doubled tulips and delicate grape hyacinths are fun too.
Place containers near entries, patios, and walkways to enjoy up close. Cluster pots in groupings for big impact.
Unique Bulb Layering Ideas to Try
Looking to take your bulb lasagna pots up a notch? Here are some creative ways to layer bulbs:
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Alternate orientation by planting some bulbs sideways or upside down. This ensures bloom time differences.
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Mix heights by pairing tall and short varieties. The tall flowers can grow up through the shorter ones.
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Vary flower forms like pom-pom shape double tulips with delicate muscari (grape hyacinth).
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Incorporate annuals like pansies or Violas for additional color between bulb bloom times.
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Add unique Bulb Looking top-dressing mulches like moss or pebbles that disguise fading bulbs.
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Use decorative containers like metal buckets or woven baskets. Even hollowed books or shoes!
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For indoor forcing, layer bulbs in glass vases or hurricane lamps to watch roots develop.
FAQs About Layering Flower Bulbs in Containers
If you’re new to layered bulb planting, here are answers to some common questions:
How long do layered bulb pots bloom?
It depends on the varieties selected, but you can get 6-12 weeks of continuous blooms from a well-designed combo.
Do you put holes between bulb layers?
No, bulbs sprout up through the soil layers just fine without holes. Offsetting bulbs helps them emerge in sequence.
Can bulbs be reused after forcing indoors?
Yes! Many spring flowering bulbs can be replanted outdoors after forcing indoors. Allow foliage to die back before storing dormant bulbs in a cool place.
Should pots with layered bulbs be brought indoors?
In very cold climates, bring layered bulb pots indoors or protect from hard freezes below 25°F once blooms appear. Outdoor winter protection is another option.
Bring On the Bulb Layers!
Add depth, elegance and waves of color to your container gardens this season with layered flower bulbs. This simple technique keeps pots looking lovely for months on end.
Experiment with different bloom times, colors, heights and forms to find your favorite combinations. Layering bulbs maximizes the impact from each pot.
With the right selection and care, your containers will put on a spectacular extended floral show this spring. Just have fun playing in the dirt and let those bulbs shine!
Layer planting in the border
If you want to layer bulbs in the border, you need to do the same thing but space them out more. The benefit of planting in the border is that you can put more layers in!.
To get the best spot, you’ll need to plan ahead because perennials will have finished their cycle by then. Mark where the summer annuals and perennials are with a marker stick (coffee stirrers work great). Do this while your garden is in full bloom. After the perennials have died off, it will be time to plant bulbs. You can use your marker to find the exact spot where to put the bulbs.
Here are three of my favourite combinations for layer planting:
Top: Crocus
Middle: Hyacinth
Bottom: Tulip
Top: Crocus
Middle: Tulip
Bottom: Allium cristophii
Top: Iris dwarf
Middle: Narcissus
Bottom: Tulip
If you want a different combination, choose bulbs that flower at different times. You can also pick ones that perform best at different depths. It usually says on the packet.
You will need to keep squirrels away from your bulbs whether you plant them in borders or keep them outside in containers and pots. One way to do this is to put chicken wire over the top of the pot. Another great trick I’ve found is to grate some strong-smelling soap into the hole with the bulb. It won’t hurt the bulb, but it keeps the sneaky burrowers away.
Aside from that, you need to keep the compost moist and remove the flower heads as they begin to fade to keep the display looking good.
If you have any more questions about how to plant bulbs, check out my FAQs.
How to layer plant in containers
In the ground, bulbs should be planted about three times as far apart as they are wide. In pots, however, they can be packed closer together. You should make sure that the bulbs don’t touch each other or the sides of the pot, though.
1. Get a big pot or container and make sure the bottom has a hole or holes for drainage. Line the base with clay pebbles. The bigger the pot better as the more bulbs you can fit in!.
2 – Add a layer of compost to the bottom
3 – Put the biggest bulb or late flowering bulb at the bottom
4 – Cover this layer with a 5cm layer of compost
5 – Repeat this twice with smaller bulbs as per our recommendations below
6 – Once you have covered the last layer, give the container a good water