Fall Gardening: Bulb Lasagna| Scotts Fafard

No, you can’t eat bulb lasagna, but it smells just as good… and it lasts much longer! In fact, “making” a bulb lasagna in a pot in the fall, around mid-October, is a wonderful way to enjoy a beautiful bloom the following spring.

What is a bulb lasagna?

Also called “Bulb layering“, the idea behind this technique is to plant different varieties of spring bulbs in layers, each covered with soil. They will take turns blooming in early, mid and late spring (the top layer will bloom first). In doing so, over time, the species will gently cross over each other and open up in a procession for a colourful and fragrant planter as nature awakens.

3 winning flower combinations!

For your first attempt, it is a good idea to start with tried and true mixes. It is best to choose bulb varieties of different sizes, colours and textures.

Tulips, daffodils & muscaris

For example, use tulip bulbs for the bottom row, daffodils in the middle and muscaris on top since they will be the first to bloom. This combination is a great choice to make sure you don’t go wrong!

Hyacinths, narcissus & crocus

Another beautiful flower combination is to place the hyacinths at the bottom first, continue with the daffodils in the center and finish with the crocuses (smaller bulbs) at the top.

Tulips, hyacinths & snowdrops

A mix of the first two combinations can also work well. Start with tulips, followed by hyacinths and snowdrops for a result that is sure to please.

How do you make a bulb lasagna?

Making a bulb lasagna involves several steps, but overall it’s not complicated ! This project should be done in mid-October when the ground is getting cold. Here are a few steps to follow to guarantee a success that you can feel when spring comes!

When buying bulbs at the garden center, choose wisely. Look at the packages; they usually tell you when they bloom in spring.
Choose a plastic container with drainage holes.
Add a layer of VERANDA Container mix to the bottom of the pot.
Place a layer of large bulbs scheduled to bloom in late spring (tips pointed skyward) and cover them with another layer of container mix about 2 inches (5 cm) depending on the size of your pot.
Repeat step 4 to add your medium-sized mid-spring bulbs, followed by a layer of small early spring bulbs. Add Plant Starter Fertilizer with bone meal to each layer. Finally cover with about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of container mix.
Dig a hole in your flower beds and insert the plastic pot for the winter. Cover the container with mulch to protect your bulbs through the winter.
In the spring, as soon as the soil thaws, remove the container from the hole and insert it in a decorative pot in the sun at the desired location.

There you go! Don’t hesitate to do this great gardening project with the kids when the weather is still nice in September and October. You’ll have a great time with your family and you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of your efforts as soon as the budding season returns.

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Fall gardening ideas: bulb lasagna!