Few gardening moments are as satisfying as watching a pot or border burst into life after months of looking quietly unremarkable. Lasagne bulb planting is one of those rare techniques that rewards a little planning with weeks — sometimes months — of continuous colour. By layering bulbs in pots that flower at different times, you can create a living display that unfolds in stages, from the first brave blooms of late winter right through to late spring, sometimes early summer.
If you’re unfamiliar with the technique of lasagne planting, then check out our Step by Step Guide to Lasagne Bulb Planting.
Now you know how to lasagne plant, the next question is the fun one: which bulbs should you actually use, and when should they go in?
Not all bulbs are suited to sharing space, and choosing the right combinations is what turns a good display into a show-stopping one.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best bulbs for lasagne planting, how to layer them for maximum impact, and the ideal planting times for each. With the right choices, you can transform a single container or patch of soil into a season-long celebration of colour and scent.
Picking Your Plants
Planting bulbs in layers works because different bulbs naturally grow and flower at different speeds and heights. By layering them in the order they bloom — late spring bulbs at the bottom, mid-spring in the middle, and early spring at the top — you create a succession of flowers that emerge one after another, all from the same pot or planting area.
The best bulbs for lasagne planting share a few key characteristics: they’re hardy, happy growing close together, and have strong shoots capable of pushing up through the soil without disturbing the layers above. Choosing bulbs with staggered flowering times and varying stem heights ensures that each layer gets its moment in the spotlight.
Bottom Layer: Late Spring Flowers
Tulips and Alliums are perfect choices for the first, bottom layer.
This layer should be made up of bulbs that flower last and produce taller stems, allowing them to grow up through the soil and earlier-flowering bulbs above without competing for space or light. Late-season Tulips — such as Triumph, Parrot and Lily-flowering varieties — are particularly well suited, as they have strong stems and reliable late spring flowering.
Alliums are another excellent option. Their upright growth habit and architectural flower heads make them ideal for emerging above other plants later in the season. Most Alliums bloom from May through to early June, while Drumstick Alliums can continue flowering into July and even August, extending the display long after other bulbs have faded.
If you’re unsure how deep to plant each layer or how much space to leave between them, find out more in our Step by Step Guide to Lasagne Bulb Planting.
Middle Layer: Mid Spring Flowers
Daffodils, Hyacinths and early-season Tulips work beautifully in the second, middle layer.
These bulbs act as the bridge between early and late spring, filling the gap with colour, scent and structure. Most varieties bloom from March to April, though some early Daffodils can appear as soon as February in milder weather.
Daffodils are particularly valuable in lasagne planting because they’re tough, reliable and rarely troubled by pests. Hyacinths add fragrance as well as bold, compact flower spikes, making them perfect for containers placed near doors or seating areas. Early Tulips bring vibrant colour and variety, complementing both the early flowers below and the taller blooms still to come.
Top Layer: Early Spring Flowers
Crocus, Iris and Snowdrops are ideal early bloomers for the third, top layer.
Planted closest to the surface, these smaller bulbs are quick to establish and are often the first sign that spring is on its way. Blooming from February through to March, they provide welcome colour when little else is flowering.
Because these bulbs are naturally compact and low-growing, they won’t compete with the larger bulbs beneath them. Instead, they fade back neatly as the mid-late spring flowers begin to take over, keeping your display looking fresh and well-balanced throughout the season.
Once your bulbs begin to grow in spring, give them a regular feed of Seafeed Xtra.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Spring Bulbs
If you want to ensure that your Spring bulbs come back year after year, it’s crucial to allow their leaves to naturally wither and die back. This process ensures that all the essential nutrients are redirected back into the bulb, fuelling its growth for the following season.
Feeding with a seaweed-based fertiliser like Seafeed Xtra not only provides essential nutrients but also imparts beneficial compounds from seaweed, helping plants better cope with various environmental stresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bulbs do you need for lasagne planting?
The number of bulbs depends on the size of your pot or planting area and how many layers you create. As a general guide, aim for 10–15 bulbs per layer in a medium container, spacing them close but not touching. A full lasagne planting typically uses three layers, resulting in a dense, professional-looking display.
Can you use lasagne bulb planting in the ground as well as pots?
Yes, lasagne bulb planting works just as well in the ground as it does in containers. It’s particularly effective in borders where you want a long-lasting spring display without gaps. Just make sure the soil is well-drained and that bulbs are planted at the correct depths for each layer.
What happens if bulbs flower at the same time?
If bulbs bloom at the same time, the display may be shorter but still attractive. For the best results, choose bulbs with clearly staggered flowering periods, ensuring one layer finishes as the next begins. This creates the signature rolling display that makes lasagne planting so effective.
Can bulbs be planted too close together?
Bulbs can be planted closer than usual in lasagne planting, especially in containers, but they should not touch. Planting too tightly can restrict root growth and increase the risk of rot. Leaving a small gap between bulbs allows them to establish properly while still creating a full display.
Do lasagne-planted bulbs come back the following year?
Many bulbs will return the following year, especially if you allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering and feed regularly with a seaweed-based fertiliser like Seafeed Xtra. However, some container displays are best refreshed each year for the strongest results.
Lasagne bulb planting is one of the simplest ways to create a long-lasting spring display, whether you’re working with a single pot or a larger garden border. By choosing the right bulbs, planting them in layers, and giving them the care they need as they grow, you’ll be rewarded with waves of colour and scent from late winter through to early summer. With a little planning now, your garden can deliver maximum impact for months, all from one beautifully planted space.
