Planting in pots or containers

Many bulbs make lovely container flowers. Pots full of bulbs are ideal for balconies and patios, next to your door or even indoor. The secret is to plant your bulbs in layers inside the container. This layering method is also called 'sandwich-system'. Choose the species which will flower a few weeks after each other and you will get a pot that continues to flower for almost two months. Take care to select a pot that is sufficiently wide and deep. 10 inches high is a nice size. Isolate the pots with bubbly plastic on the inside and place crocks or gravel on the bottom to evacuate the water. Then apply a layer of soil. The first layer of bulbs consists of the tallest and latest flowering type. Then some more soil, enough to totally cover the first layer. The second layer of bulbs has to be of an intermediary size and grow when the first layer has died back. If your container is deep enough, at least 14 inches, you can place a third layer. Really big pots can hold even a fourth layer. Keep in mind that the last layer should be covered with sufficient soil, as much as if planted in the garden.

In choosing bulbs for layered pots you should be aware that bulbs which grow a lot of foliage, are less suitable as their companions might not get enough light. In addition, one should choose strong species, which can stand a bit of wind, especially for pots destined for balconies and roof patios. After flowering, bulbs in pots should be cared for with water, light and small quantities of fertiliser, till their leaves have died off completely. After that their resting period starts, till the next season. Pots, in which bulbs and perennials are combined, can really grow into small gardens. Show me more

Planting in grass: a magic meadow

Planting bulbs in grass is more difficult than in soil as you need to pierce the grass. To get the most enchanting effect, you should put different kinds of bulbs in a basket and give it a good shake to mix them up. Plant a small handful randomly around you, but don’t scatter or throw them. As for the ratios, 15-20 small bulbs can afford to have 6 medium and 1 or 2 large bulbs next to them. That is the ideal concentration. A warning: strew some sand on the grass the last few times you mow it before starting your Magic Meadow. This helps you to avoid that the grass that was used to regular mowing, grows like crazy when you stop mowing it.

Planting spring flowering bulbs

Spring flowering bulbs are planted in fall. The bulbs are best planted as soon as possible once you get them home because they need some time to develop roots before the soil gets frosted. Spring flowering bulbs need the cold to reset their biological clock: a new season is beginning. In zones 8-10 spring flowering bulbs should be refrigerated at 40º - 45º F, see our paragraph on indoor forcing.

Planting summer flowering bulbs

Summer flowering bulbs are planted in mid spring. Bulbs are best planted as soon as possible once you get them home. Summer flowering bulbs will grow well in most climates (4-10). Unlike spring flowering bulbs summer flowering bulbs do not need a cold period to reset their biological clock. In fact most summer bulbs are not winter hardy! As a general rule we advice the following:
In climate zones 4 and 5
The bulbs should be lifted in the fall if you want to use them again next year.
In climate zone 6
Give the bulbs some protection from the frost by covering the soil with evergreens or mulch.
In climate zones 7 and higher
No protection needed.

Planting autumn flowering bulbs

In autumn gardens tend to become bare and grey with winter around the corner. Autumn flowering bulbs are a nice way to give your garden some colour in this period. Autumn flowering bulbs are planted in the summer. Most autumn flowering bulbs are winter hardy.