How to Plant Bulbs in Layers

Layering bulbs in a pot can create a non-stop show of color from early to late spring.

Planting bulbs in layers allows you to have more flowers in a small space and creates a non-stop bloom show from early to late spring. Bulbs can be layered in a pot to create a portable focal point, or directly in the garden to burst into layers of color. They key is to plant the bulbs that bloom at different times. It's also a good idea to choose bloom colors that will coordinate with each other and enhance your home and surrounding landscape. The best time to layer bulbs is in late fall.

Things You'll Need

• Planting container
• Gravel
• Potting soil
• Fertilizer
• Bulbs
• Shovel
• Water

Instructions

Layering Bulbs in Pots

1. Select a pot or container with a drainage hole and place gravel, river rocks or potsherds at least an inch deep to cover the bottom and encourage drainage.

2. Choose at least three different types of bulbs that bloom early, mid and late spring. Good choices include crocus, tulips and daffodils.

3. Mix a fertilizer formulated for bulbs, such as 5-10-10, into potting soil according to package directions.

4. Place a 3-inch layer of potting soil on top of drainage material in planting container. Press late-blooming bulbs into the soil with the pointed end up. Twist each bulb a half turn to ensure good contact with the soil. Plant about 1/2 inch apart. Cover with 2 or 3 inches of soil.

5. Plant mid-spring blooming bulbs and cover with 2 or 3 inches of soil.

6. Plant early spring blooming bulbs in the last layer and cover with 2 or 3 inches of soil and a layer of mulch. Leave at least 1 inch of space between the top of the soil and the container rim. Water thoroughly or until water runs out the pot's drainage hole.

7. Allow potted bulbs to chill for eight to 14 weeks at a temperature between 35 and 40 degrees. Do not allow bulbs to freeze. Keep bulbs moist by watering when first inch of soil is dry.

Layering Bulbs in the Garden

1. Choose a location that will receive at least four hours of sunlight daily.

2. Choose early- and late-blooming bulbs. Good choices include crocus, grape hyacinths and daffodils.

3. Dig a planting hole 24 inches wide and 10 inches deep to accommodate a dozen daffodils. Hole size can be adjusted for more or fewer bulbs.

4. Mix half the soil dug from planting hole with an equal amount of compost or potting soil. Mix in a fertilizer recommended for bulbs, such as 5-10-10, with the soil mixture according to package directions.

5. Place 4 inches of the soil mixture back into the hole. Plant daffodils or other late-blooming bulbs pointed end up. Give each bulb a twist in the soil to ensure good contact. Bulbs should not touch in the planting hole.

6. Cover first layer of bulbs with 2 inches of soil mixture.

7. Plant early-blooming bulbs, pointed end up. Give each bulb a twist to ensure good contact with the soil. Cover layer with bulbs, but do not let bulbs touch.

8. Cover top layer of bulbs with 2 inches of soil. Water until the top 6 inches of soil is moist.

9. Cover bulb bed with mulch, such as pine straw.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep potted bulbs away from fruits and vegetables which emit ethylene gas and can prevent bulbs from blooming.

References

• National Gardening Association: How-To Project: Bulbs in Containers
• Gardening Guy: Planting Bulbs
• Our Garden Gang: Layering Bulbs in Containers