The unique thing with light bulb is you see them in Spring but can only plant them in Autumn . I am often need questions about my design and layout of bulbs and when they are in efflorescence . the great unwashed have call for me how they catch their bulb containers to flower for such a retentive time this twelvemonth and how they were capable to get so many bulbs in one place . I will explain this by showing you how to layer plant life bulb . This is a proficiency the experts use to maximise coloration from one space … .
You will need to save this web log Sir Frederick Handley Page and use it when the medulla oblongata start to show up in garden centers at the kickoff of September .
When it comes to bulb , some do substantially at different depth , and give - flower bulbs bloom at different time in the outflow .
In your own garden there ’s a heavy path to take advantage of this diversity , and it ’s called layer - planting . I ’m go to show you how it ’s done .
Layering flower bulb in pots and borders , which is also called “ lasagne planting , ” constitute a beautiful , ever - changing feature that gives you the most coloring all spring long .
If you plant the right bulbs , lasagne will bloom from January to May without having to be replant several times .
You should make at least three bed , but you may do more if you ’re brave ! Put early leap flowering bulb at the top , mid - spring flowering bulbs in the middle , and former spring flowering medulla at the bottom .
When it comes to container horticulture , most multitude stick to arranging a single case of industrial plant in each sens . But for a retentive season of color , deal layering unlike bulb in one container . This technique maximizes blossom in a small space . Just think of it as creating a delicious veggie lasagna , but with flower or else !
How Does Bulb Layering Work?
The concept is dim-witted : start by planting gravid , later blooming bulb on the bottom . Cover them with soil , then add smaller , earlier blooming bulbs . Keep layer bulbs that bloom in sequence .
The bulb sprout and farm through the soil layer at dissimilar times . The earlier bulbs get off up blooms first then as they fade the mid - season bloomers take over . Finally the belated pants emerge last from the bottom layer .
With the good bulb combo , you get uninterrupted wave of color . It ’s gorgeous !
Why Layer Bulbs in Pots?
Beyond extended flush time , here are some benefit of layering flower bulbs :
Once you try this proficiency , you ’ll find it ’s addictive . The superimposed effect is just so lush and vibrant !
Choosing Bulbs for Layering
piece 2 - 4 bulb that :
Some classical combination include :
Match flowers of like pinnacle so they blend nicely as they bloom . Or intentionally bed grandiloquent and brusque miscellany for play .
Steps for Layering Bulbs in Pots
1. Select Appropriate Container
take containers with drainage holes and use a potting premix contrive for bulbs . Terra cotta , plastic , ceramic and forest planter all work .
couple pot size of it to mature bulb foliation and root size so they do n’t become overcrowded . Bigger is better to allow plentiful room for growth .
2. Add Drainage Material
Place an inch or two of gravel , stones , pebble , or pack goober in the bottom of the container for drainage .
3. Start with Largest Bulbs
format the bulb that bloom up-to-the-minute and have the biggest leaf as the bottom layer . Place them nearly without actually affecting .
Cover bulb with 2 - 3 inches of potting mix .
4. Repeat with Smaller Bulbs
supply layers of smaller bulbs that blossom to begin with in the season . Cover each layer completely with pot mix before adding the next .
5. Top Off with Mix
The top stratum should be small , early bounce bloomers like crocus , grape vine hyacinth or species tulip .
allow for 1 - 2 inches of pot mix above the final bed of bulbs .
6. Water Thoroughly After Planting
Water well to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets . Allow mess to run out fully .
Caring for Layered Bulb Pots
Give your bulb lasagna pots the same caution you would give containers with unmarried bulb varieties . Here are some tips :
Water when the top few inches of mix become ironic . Do n’t countenance pots entirely dry out .
Fertilize softly with a balanced soluble fertilizer a few workweek after bulbs sprout .
Set containers in bright , indirect light . Turn sporadically for even maturation .
Bring quite a little indoors or move to a protect spot if hard frost threatens .
Remove fading foliage and blooms right away to improve appearance .
Allow foliage to give way back naturally after blooming .
Store dormant bulb in a coolheaded , dark place until replant .
Design Inspiration for Layered Bulbs
Beyond round pots , consider unique vessel shapes like squares , rectangles , and cascading form . Shallow goat god make it easy to appreciate the superimposed effect .
For holiday , select bulbs in coordinating colour like pinkish , red and lily-white for Valentine ’s Day or orange and yellow for downslope .
Try themed pots like all blank blooms or cool blues . completing flower sort like frilly double over tulip and delicate grape hyacinths are fun too .
spot containers near entries , terrace , and walkways to bask up near . Cluster pots in grouping for big shock .
Unique Bulb Layering Ideas to Try
Looking to take your light bulb lasagna pots up a mountain pass ? Here are some originative way to layer bulbs :
alternating orientation by planting some bulbs sidewise or upside down . This assure bloom time differences .
Mix tiptop by copulate tall and brusque varieties . The tall flowers can raise up through the scant ones .
Vary flower shape like pom - pommy shape double tulips with touchy muscari ( grape hyacinth ) .
Incorporate yearly like pansies or Violas for extra color between bulb bloom times .
Add unique Bulb count top - dressing mulches like moss or pebbles that mask fading bulbs .
Use decorative containers like metal pail or woven baskets . Even core out ledger or shoes !
For indoor forcing , layer bulb in glass vases or hurricane lamp to look on roots develop .
FAQs About Layering Flower Bulbs in Containers
If you ’re new to superimposed bulb planting , here are answers to some plebeian questions :
How long do layered bulb pots bloom?
It calculate on the variety selected , but you could get 6 - 12 weeks of uninterrupted bloom of youth from a well - designed combo .
Do you put holes between bulb layers?
No , bulbs sprout up through the soil layer just fine without hole . Offsetting bulbs helps them come forth in sequence .
Can bulbs be reused after forcing indoors?
Yes ! Many spring flowering bulbs can be replanted outdoors after force indoors . Allow foliage to die back before storing dormant bulbs in a coolheaded place .
Should pots with layered bulbs be brought indoors?
In very cold clime , bring superimposed electric light pots indoors or protect from punishing frost below 25 ° F once heyday appear . Outdoor winter protection is another choice .
Bring On the Bulb Layers!
supply profoundness , elegance and waves of color to your container gardens this time of year with layered bloom bulb . This simple proficiency preserve pots depend endearing for months on end .
experimentation with different peak times , color , heights and forms to rule your favourite combinations . layer bulbs maximise the impact from each pot .
With the right selection and care , your containers will put on a spectacular extended floral show this fountain . Just have sport playing in the shite and let those bulbs glitter !
Layer planting in the border
If you want to layer medulla in the border , you necessitate to do the same thing but space them out more . The benefit of planting in the perimeter is that you may put more layers in ! .
To get the good spot , you ’ll need to design ahead because perennials will have land up their cycle by then . Mark where the summer annuals and perennials are with a mark stick ( coffee stirrers work great ) . Do this while your garden is in full rosiness . After the perennials have perish off , it will be time to plant bulbs . you could expend your marker to find the exact spot where to put the bulbs .
Here are three of my favourite combining for bed planting :
Top : Crocus
mediate : Hyacinth
Bottom : Tulip
halfway : Tulip
Bottom : Allium cristophii
Top : Iris dwarf
midway : Narcissus
If you want a different combining , choose bulbs that blossom at dissimilar time . you’re able to also pick I that perform best at different profundity . It usually pronounce on the packet boat .
You will need to keep squirrel away from your bulbs whether you constitute them in borders or keep them outside in containers and pot . One way to do this is to put chicken conducting wire over the top of the mountain . Another great trick I ’ve found is to grate some strong - smelling liquid ecstasy into the hole with the bulb . It wo n’t hurt the medulla , but it keep the sneaky burrowers aside .
Aside from that , you necessitate to keep the compost moist and remove the heyday heads as they get to pass to keep the display look good .
If you have any more questions about how to plant bulbs , check out my FAQs .
How to layer plant in containers
In the primer coat , lightbulb 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 certain that the bulbs do n’t bear upon each other or the sides of the pot , though .
1 . Get a bountiful flock or container and ensure the bottom has a maw or fix for drainage . delineate the base with remains pebbles . The braggy the mint better as the more bulbs you may suit in ! .
2 – Add a layer of compost to the bottom
3 – Put the biggest medulla or later flowering incandescent lamp at the bottom
4 – underwrite this layer with a 5 curium layer of compost
5 – reprise this twice with smaller bulbs as per our recommendations below
6 – Once you have covered the last layer , give the container a good water
