Stagger Plant Your Bulbs for Long Lasting Blooms

Want to brighten up a deck or patio? Grab a container and plant layers of bulbs that will give you staggered bursts of color when spring arrives. Choose bulb varieties that flower a few weeks apart, such as crocus, tulips, and daffodils, which will bloom in rotation for up to six weeks. The chart below shows when different varieties will flower throughout spring.

Planting Guide

To fill a container that’s 30cm in diameter and 30 to 35cm deep, you’ll want about 9 crocus, 7 tulip, and 5 daffodil bulbs.

1. Add a 3cm layer of pebbles at the bottom of the container (make sure there’s a drainage hole or drill one out).

2. Add about 10cm of potting mix, and mix in a tablespoon of bulb fertiliser.

3. Place the daffodil bulbs with their flat, root end down and pointed end up, making sure the sides aren’t touching.

4. Add another 13cm layer of potting mix, covering the bulbs to their tips.

5. Place the row of tulip bulbs so they’re staggered over the daffodils and not directly on top.

6. Cover with soil; repeat steps with crocus bulbs.

7. Cover the “sandwiched” bulbs with 3 to 5cm of mulch, and water thoroughly.

Keep soil moist throughout the over autumn, then the first shoots should appear in late winter/early spring.

Recommended Planting Depths:
A. Crocus: 3-5cm
B. Tulips: 7-10cm
C. Daffodils: 10-12cm

For more information and helpful tips check our helpful How To Grow Bulbs guide.