Layer Planting

Layer planting is a quick and easy method of planting up pots and containers. Each layer flowers at different times creating stunning, long-lasting displays of colour.

Choosing your bulbs…

1
2
3
1

Top Layer

Smallest and earliest flowering bulbs.

Choose February or March flowering bulbs such as Crocus or Muscari.

2

Middle Layer

Choose March or April flowering bulbs such as Hyacinths or early Daffodil varieties.

3

Bottom Layer

Largest and latest flowering bulbs.

Choose April or May flowering bulbs such as Tulips or Alliums.

How to Layer Plant your bulbs…

You will need…

  • Medium or large pot (30cm to 40cm in diameter) with drainage holes at the bottom
  • Compost
  • Chippings or broken pots for drainage
  • 3 packs of bulbs

Step 1

Place a handful of chippings or broken pots over the drainage holes of the pot, and top with a 15cm – 20cm layer of compost.

Step 2

Plant your latest flowering bulbs into the compost, making sure to leave a bulbs width space between each one. Then cover over with another 5cm – 10cm layer of compost.

Step 3

Repeat the same steps with your middle flowering bulb variety. The bulbs below will naturally find a way past this layer of bulbs as they grow, so don’t worry about leaving space for them.

Step 4

On this layer, plant your earliest flowering bulb variety, then cover over with your final layer of compost, leaving a small gap at the top of the pot.

Step 5

If you are looking for some autumn and winter colour, you can finish the pot off with some pansies and violas. Then give the pot a good water, and locate in a warm, sunny spot. Make sure to protect the pot from harsh frosts.

Step 6

Watch as your pot blooms with waves of vibrant colour!
Water regularly as shoots being to emerge, but make sure not to waterlog the compost. Deadhead faded flowers to stop the plants from wasting energy, but leave the leaves to die back naturally. This will replenish the bulbs to allow them to flower the following year.

Visit your local Otter Garden Centre to view our fantastic range of Spring Flowering Bulbs.

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