Spent your entire fall planning to plant a bulb lasagna but never got around to it? Don’t worry, even the most organized gardeners have found themselves staring at a bag of tulips in winter and thinking it’s too late.
Not to get too Noah from The Notebook about it, it’s absolutely not over. In fact, a last-minute bulb lasagna might just be the easiest way to guarantee a breathtaking spring display, whatever USDA Hardiness Zone you’re in.
A bulb lasagna is exactly what it sounds like: layers of spring bulbs planted at different depths so they emerge in waves from early March through May. It’s a simple, space-saving technique that works beautifully in containers, especially if you garden in a small space or want instant impact by the front door. And, because each layer grows at its own pace, the container stays colorful for weeks instead of fizzling out after one bloom... so long as you use the right planting recipe, of course.
A Last-Minute Bulb Lasagna
‘Bulb lasagnas can be planted well into December, which will result in flowering pots come April or May,’ promises Andrew Bunting, VP of Horticulture for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and author of The Plant Lover's Guide To Magnolias (available on Amazon).
That’s right, folks: so long as your soil isn’t frozen, you can plant daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, crocuses, or even some of the more unusual spring-flowering bulbs. So, how best to go about it?
Well, if time is of the essence, then Andrew says it’s best to gather up three different types of bulbs that bloom at different times: think late-season daffodils, mid-season tulips or hyacinths, and a handful of early-bloomers like Chionodoxa, Leucojum, snowdrops, or muscari.
Once you’ve made your choice, grab yourself a pot that is at least 30 cm (12 inches) deep, and set to work layering it up with bulbs and compost – taking care to remember that ‘all bulbs should still be planted at a depth of three times the length of the bulb’, adds Andrew.
You’ll need to make sure that the larger daffodils make up your bottom layer (as they’re so deep, they will take time to emerge), your tulips or hyacinths make up the middle, and your smaller, early spring-flowering bulbs go on on top.
‘After planting, water the container thoroughly before moving it to a cool and dark place where it does not get below 30 degrees for 10-12 weeks,’ he continues. ‘It is important to cover the top of the container with some sort of wire mesh like an old window screen to keep out chipmunks, mice, squirrels, and other hungry critters who will try to eat the bulbs.’
Your Last-Minute Bulb Lasagna Essentials:
- A Decent Planter
When you're choosing your planter, make sure you pick one with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Something like these Prima Round Planter Pots from Amazon should do the trick nicely. - A Clever Planting Tool
If you’re not sure about your ability to eyeball depths when planting in layers, something like Amazon's Berry & Bird Transplant Trowel with its handy built-in measurements should help. - A Good-Quality Compost
As ever and always, your potting medium is key to creating a lasting display when you’re building up your bulb lasagna. You can't go wrong with R&M Organics Premium Organic Compost from Amazon.
Andrew finishes by noting: ‘After this period has passed, then the bulbs can be brought out into the garden or even used in the home. The emerging buds will start to grow and in a matter of weeks, you will have a pot filled with a mix of flowering bulbs.’
So, there we have it; it’s not too late to plant a bulb lasagna. In fact, there is still plenty of time, as the cooler winter soil will actually encourage healthy root growth before spring kicks off.
All you need is a large pot, good-quality compost, three layers of bulbs, and, ooh, about 20 minutes to bring Andrew’s failproof recipe to life in your garden? Honestly, it’s perfect for any green-fingered procrastinators (or last-minute Larries, if you prefer) who still want a showstopper moment come spring.
