Layered Flower Bulbs – How to Plant Them for Spring

layered flower bulbs

Layered flower bulbs refers to the practice of planting several varieties of flower bulbs in one area to create an abundant, colorful display in springtime. This technique can be used in both your garden and your indoor floral arrangements. Flower bulbs like tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and many other spring-blooming flowers make excellent candidates for layering because they bloom at different times in spring. This allows you to add more variety to your displays than if you planted only one type at a time. But the very best reason to layer is to get double or triple the number of blooms in one space!

Preparing the Soil

After you’ve decided where you want your bulbs to go, it’s time to prepare that spot. Start by digging a hole at least twice as deep as your bulb is tall. For instance, if you’re planting hyacinths, which are typically 8 inches tall, dig your hole 16 inches deep. This will allow extra room for roots once your plants start growing upward in their search for sunlight. Fill the bottom two-thirds of your hole with a layer of compost and a 3-inch layer of mulch (or other soil amendment). Once you’re done you can backfill with topsoil. Find a complete guide on planting flower bulbs here.

How to Layer Your Bulbs

To layer your bulbs, start by choosing at least three different types of spring bulbs—some small, some medium and some large. In your prepped hole, place them in according to the planting depth required on the package. Start with the bulbs that need the most depth, and then work your way up. Think of it like making a lasagne! 

Backfill with soil around all the bulbs as you work. No matter which bulbs you choose, layering gives your garden a naturalistic feel without taking hours upon hours to maintain. And since there will be plenty of flowers popping up through all those layers throughout the spring, layering will also keep your flower bed looking fresh longer than most other designs!

Layered Flower Bulbs: Color Combinations

Color wheels are a fun way to look at color relationships, but they can also be used as a guide when you’re choosing colors that will blend well together. For instance, an analogous color combination (colors next to each other on a color wheel) includes yellow and gold in your garden. Complementary colors (opposite of each other on a color wheel) can create an unusual display. Try pairing purple daffodils with orange tulips for a sharp contrast. Triadic color combinations feature three different hues placed equidistant from one another on a color wheel: red-orange-yellow or blue-green-purple make up triadic combos. Keep in mind that these groupings often have more visual interest than analogous or complementary combinations because they’re unexpected. And honestly, with spring flowers you really can’t go wrong. The best combo includes the colors that you love the most!

Ready to get started on your masterpiece? Check out our collection of flower bulbs and start planning!

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    How to Layer Spring Flowering Bulbs for a Beautiful and Colorful Garden (Lasagna Planting)
    April 5, 2023 at 8:54 pm

    […] by choosing at least three different types of bulbs – some small, some medium, and some large [2]. Begin by preparing a pot or a hole in your garden bed. Cover the base with clay pebbles, followed […]

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