Lasagna Bulb Planting

How to Create a Show-Stopping Spring Display

Layering isn’t just for lasagna—it’s also the secret to creating a container garden that keeps on giving! Lasagna bulb planting is all about layering bulbs with different bloom times in one pot to maximize space and enjoy a longer blooming season. Think of it as creating a blooming masterpiece—each layer adds to the overall show, and you’ll have flowers popping up from early spring to late spring. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to get your own lasagna bulb pot growing beautifully.

Step 1: Pick Your Pot and Prep the Soil

First things first, you need a pot that’s big enough to hold multiple layers of bulbs and has good drainage. Choose a container that’s at least 12-14 inches deep and has drainage holes at the bottom—bulbs don’t like sitting in soggy soil. For potting soil, I love using the 2 cu ft bales of ProMix from Walmart. It’s inexpensive, goes a long way, and doesn’t contain unnecessary additives.

Start by filling the bottom with about 2 inches of well-draining soil. You can also add a layer of pebbles, gravel, or clay pebbles at the bottom for extra drainage, especially if you’re leaving the pot outdoors all winter.

Step 2: Layer Your Largest Bulbs First

The bottom layer of your lasagna bulb planting pot should be made up of the largest, latest-blooming bulbs, such as alliums and tulips. These are your base layer, and they’ll sit the deepest in the soil (about 6-8 inches deep). When planting, space the bulbs shoulder to shoulder, almost touching—no need to give them a lot of room. Once you’ve got them in place, cover this layer with about 3 inches of soil.

Step 3: Add the Mid-Season Bloomers

Now it’s time to add your middle layer of bulbs—these should be bulbs that bloom in mid-spring, such as daffodils and hyacinths. Place these bulbs just as you did the first layer, about 4-6 inches deep, and plant them shoulder to shoulder, almost touching. Add another 2-3 inches of soil on top of this layer.

Step 4: The Early Bloomers Go on Top

The final layer will consist of your earliest-blooming bulbs, like crocuses and grape hyacinths. These bulbs will be planted just below the surface, about 2-3 inches deep, and will be the first to bloom in early spring. Again, plant them shoulder to shoulder, almost touching. Top off the entire pot with more soil, making sure to leave some space at the top for watering.

Benefits of Lasagna Bulb Planting

Lasagna bulb planting not only extends your blooming season, but it also maximizes space and creates a long-lasting display of blooms. Whether you’re using tulips, daffodils, or hyacinths, layering bulbs in pots allows for a continuous show of flowers from early spring to late spring. If you prefer a burst of color all at once, you can even mix bulbs with the same blooming time to create an immediate explosion of color. Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite combinations!