If you want your containers to burst with flowers for months on end, try creating a “bulb lasagne.” This clever planting method layers bulbs in a pot so they bloom in succession—from the first signs of spring in February all the way through June. The result? A continuous display of color that looks lush, effortless, and endlessly cheerful.
Here’s how to build your blooming masterpiece:
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Choose the Right Container
Pick a pot that’s at least 12 inches deep and has good drainage. Bulbs dislike soggy soil, so drainage holes are essential. -
Prepare the Base
Add a layer of gravel or broken pottery for drainage, then fill the pot one-third full with high-quality compost.
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Layer 1: The Deep Bloomers
Start with late-spring or early-summer bulbs like tulips or alliums. Space them evenly, pointed ends up, and cover with a few inches of compost. -
Layer 2: The Mid-Season Stars
Next, add bulbs that bloom in mid-spring—think daffodils or hyacinths. Cover them lightly with soil.
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Layer 3: The Early Risers
Finally, place small, early bloomers like crocuses, snowdrops, or iris reticulata on top. Fill the rest of the pot with compost, water thoroughly, and label your creation.
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Care and Enjoy
Keep the pot in a sheltered spot through winter. Once shoots appear, move it into the sun and water sparingly. The layers will bloom one after another—creating months of floral delight from a single planting.
With just one pot and a little planning, you can enjoy a parade of color from late winter right through to early summer—proof that beauty really can come in layers.
