A spring bulb lasagne is a beautiful and creative way to create a layered garden display that lasts. This method involves planting numerous spring bulbs in one pot, planted in separate layers—hence the "lasagne" name. These bulbs will flower at different times, creating a display that lasts for months!

What You Will Need

  • A large pot
  • Compost
  • A variety of spring bulbs (Tulips, Daffodils, Crocus, Alliums, Snow Drops, Hyacinths, etc.)
  • Pot Feet (If you live in a wet climate)
  • Drainage hole blocker

Watch The Video!

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Planting A Spring Bulb Lasagne

This technique involves layering different types of bulbs at various depths within the same pot. It’s simple yet effective: place the largest and latest-flowering bulbs at the bottom, then add layers of smaller, earlier-flowering bulbs on top. You can experiment with different bulb combinations in multiple pots to see which mix works best for you. No matter what you choose, the result is a stunning, long-lasting display, with blooms appearing in stages over the months.

What’s great about this method is its simplicity. As long as you have a deep enough pot, anyone can create a gorgeous bulb lasagne. Let’s dive into how to make it happen.

How to Plant a Bulb Lasagne

First, select a large pot that’s deep enough for several layers of bulbs. Depth is more important than width for this method, so aim for a pot that’s around 20-25 inches deep. This will give enough space for the different layers, while allowing the largest bulbs at the bottom to establish strong roots.

Next, ensure your pot has good drainage, as it will be outside through the winter months. Without proper drainage, water can accumulate and cause the bulbs to rot. I prefer terracotta pots because they often come with a large drainage hole. To prevent the soil from falling out while still allowing water to drain, cover the hole with broken pieces of terracotta or similar materials.

It’s also important to lift the pot slightly off the ground. Using pot feet will help prevent water from getting trapped at the bottom and ensure it drains properly.

The Planting Process

Start by filling the bottom third of your pot with a high-quality potting mix. Then, plant your first layer of bulbs—these should be your largest and latest-flowering bulbs. In my case, I use hyacinths for the base layer.

I leave a little space between the bulbs and the edge of the pot, which helps provide extra insulation on particularly cold nights. After placing the first layer, cover it with a couple of inches of soil, and then plant the next layer of bulbs.

As you continue layering, you’ll notice that the bulbs become progressively smaller. Continue this process until all the bulbs are planted. For my top layer, I usually plant smaller bulbs like snowdrops and crocuses, which contrast nicely with the larger bulbs at the bottom.

A helpful tip: if you’re unsure which way to plant your bulbs, check for last year’s root growth. The little stringy bits from the previous year’s roots should face downward, while the neck of the bulb should point upward.

And that’s it! If there’s no rain on the way, give the pot a good watering. After that, all you need to do is wait and dream about the beautiful spring display that’s soon to appear!

Will the Bulbs Interfere with Each Other?

One of the most common concerns when people first hear about this method is whether the bulbs will block each other’s growth. Luckily, this isn’t an issue. Spring bulbs are skilled at growing towards the surface, even if there’s another layer of bulbs above them. They’ll naturally find their way up, adjusting around any obstacles in the soil.

Can I Reuse the Bulbs Next Year?

You can leave the bulbs in the pot for the next year, but the display may not be as vibrant as it was the first time around. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, the bulbs will have used up much of the soil’s nutrients by the end of the season. Although you can amend the soil, it’s unlikely to provide the same results as fresh soil.

Second, many bulbs are at their peak when you first plant them—they’re harvested at the ideal time to produce the best possible display. By the second year, they may not be as large or strong. Tulips, in particular, tend to decline in their second year, with fewer and smaller blooms.

Ultimately, the choice is yours: you can either keep the existing bulbs and accept a less dramatic display, or start fresh with new bulbs next season. Alternatively, you can plant the old bulbs in your garden, where they can naturalize, and buy a new batch for your pot next year.

Happy planting, and enjoy the blooms!