How to plant a bulb lasagne

How to plant a bulb lasagne

Lasagne planting is an effective way to plant spring flowering bulbs in two layers or more to maximise bloom time. The layering approach means you can enjoy a continuous display of flowers from late Winter through to Spring, often as early as January and lasting until May. 

To begin, you plant early varieties of bulbs near the surface, mid-season bulbs in the middle, and later bloomers deeper in the pot. It's a low-maintenance and highly rewarding way to ensure months of vibrant colour with minimal effort. 

When is the best time to plant a bulb lasagne?

The ideal time to plant your spring bulbs is any time from September to November. By planting before the frost, you'll give the bulbs enough time to develop roots and prepare for their spectacular spring display.

To get started, pick a variety of bulbs that bloom at different times. Here's a good recipe for a bulb lasagne:

  • Bottom layer (late flowering): Tulips, Hyacinths
  • Middle layer (mid-season flowering): Daffodils, Anemones, Muscari
  • Top layer (early flowering): Crocus, Miniature Iris, Snowdrops 

    Step-by-step guide to lasagne planting:

    1. Prepare the container: Start by placing a layer of potting grit at the bottom of your container to improve drainage.

    2. Add compost: Fill the container with compost until it's about one-third full.

    3. Plant the bottom layer: Place your late-flowering bulbs (tulips or hyacinths) in the bottom layer. Cover with more compost until the container is about halfway full.

    4. Middle layer: Add mid-season varieties like daffodils or anemones and cover with another layer of compost.

    5. Top layer: Plant early varieties like crocuses, miniature iris, or snowdrops—near the top and add compost until the container is almost full.

    6. Add Winter bedding plants: To get an immediate pop of colour, plant winter bedding plants like cyclamen, pansies, or violas on top. For extra depth, you can also add trailing ivy or other plants with interesting evergreen foliage.

    7. Give the container a good water after planting, but be careful not to saturate it as bulbs don’t like to sit in water. Continue watering lightly in the weeks following to help the bulbs establish roots.

    Maintenance & care tips
    As each layer of bulbs finishes flowering, deadhead the blooms and trim back foliage. This keeps your pot looking tidy and prolongs the blooming period. To ensure vibrant flowers year after year, feed the bulbs annually and replace the compost around the bedding plants.

    If you need any help or advice, visit us in Ballygarvan or explore our full range of spring bulbs on our website.