Yevheniya Tuzinska/
Planning your garden for the upcoming autumn season? Consider the enchanting technique of bulb lasagna, a Dutch innovation that layers bulbs in a manner reminiscent of the classic pasta dish. Just like preparing a lasagna in the oven, you can mix and match a variety of ingredients in a pot, crafting a unique recipe of your own design. The outcome is a collection of containers that boast a tripled color palette and a series of blossoms that extend over several weeks during the spring.
As you embark on creating your bulb lasagna, there are certain guidelines to adhere to for the best possible results. Read on to uncover what bulb lasagna entails, how to plant it, and why it’s a must-try this autumn.
While you may be familiar with the lasagna gardening technique, which involves layering newspaper, leaves, straw, compost, and more, bulb lasagna diverges from this approach. Despite also utilizing layers, bulb lasagna involves stacking different bulbs on layers of soil to cultivate a lush, continuously blooming pot of flowers. Large, late-blooming bulbs are planted at the base, while mid-sized bulbs that bloom earlier are nestled in the middle. The lasagna is then topped with a layer of diminutive, early-spring bulbs, such as crocuses.
Traditional bulb planting can leave gaps in the garden as plants grow, bloom, and eventually fade. Bulb lasagna circumvents this issue by packing a remarkable number of successive blooms into a compact space. With thoughtful planning, you can ensure that there’s always something in bloom—or at least enjoy rich green foliage. Furthermore, a bulb lasagna garden is longer-lasting as the late tulips you plant begin to emerge while the crocuses wither away.
However, there is a drawback to this intensive planting method. The tight packing of bulbs means they may not accumulate enough nutrients to thrive the following year, necessitating their disposal and starting anew each autumn. Additionally, when planting in pots, opt for bulbs that can withstand temperatures a few degrees colder than your climate to account for above-ground freezing temperatures.
Bulb lasagna can also be planted directly into the ground, requiring extensive digging but offering the advantage of properly spacing bulbs for better year-after-year growth.
Select a container at least 9 inches deep for two layers or 12 inches deep for three layers, or even taller if you’re using large bulbs like alliums. Ensure individual bulbs are spaced at least an inch apart when choosing the width of your container. Also, make sure the container has ample drainage holes, and use feet or a tray to elevate it and prevent water from pooling below.
Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix, possibly amended with coarse sand or grit for improved drainage in areas prone to heavy rainfall. Incorporate organic bulb fertilizer into the potting mix according to the recommended dosage before planting.
- Begin by adding a 2- to 3-inch layer of potting mix to the bottom of your container. Optionally, place a small screen over the drainage holes to prevent soil from escaping.
- Next, position the latest-blooming bulbs on top of the soil, with the pointed ends facing up. Arrange them closely but ensure they are at least an inch apart and not touching the container’s sides.
- Cover the bulbs with potting mix and add another 2 inches of soil.
- Plant your subsequent layer of bulbs, which should bloom earlier in spring, and cover them with an additional 2 inches of soil.
- Based on the depth of your pot, add a third layer of small bulbs, topped with another 2 inches of soil.
- Apply a light mulch on top, water the lasagna, and if necessary, add wire mesh over the container to deter squirrels. Place your pot in a sunny location to overwinter. You should only need to water if the weather is exceptionally dry.
For ground planting, start by preparing the soil. Dig a trench 12 inches deep, loosen the soil, and set it aside. Amend the soil with compost to enhance drainage if necessary. Fill the trench’s bottom with 2 inches of soil and proceed with the bulb layering method described above, incorporating organic fertilizer into each layer to aid root development.
After completing your bulb lasagna, mulch and water it. To help your bulbs store nutrients for the next season, apply fertilizer once the flowers have finished blooming.
When creating a bulb lasagna, choose the right bulbs for a spectacular display. You can opt for a monochromatic theme with different shapes and sizes of white flowers, or select a range of similar colors from the same flower species, such as early, mid, and late-blooming tulips in purple, pink, and red. Alternatively, create a striking contrast by pairing purple grape hyacinths with vibrant yellow daffodils.
Lastly, consider the foliage textures of your chosen plants. Some flowers have delicate leaves, while others have robust, broad foliage that may overshadow other plants. Visualize how the plants will appear together in a bouquet when selecting your combinations.
Here are some suggestions for your lasagna layers:
- Top layer: Crocus, snowdrops, muscari, dwarf iris
- Middle layer: Early or mid-season tulips, wild (species) tulips, daffodils
- Bottom layer: Alliums, late-season tulips
