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Planting Bulbs vs Instructions

ciaranmcgreneraciaranmcgrenera Posts: 233
in Tools and techniques
I planted my first set of spring bulbs last autumn following the instructions on the packs about how far apart they should be, etc., and I’m reasonably happy with the results.

however I see loads of examples where pots and containers are absolutely bursting with more flowers than I would ever have put into that space based on the instructions
im just doing my Spring bulb order for next year and I’m wondering- Farmer Gracy is saying to plant Muscari bulbs 10cm apart, but can I go much tighter than that if I’m looking for one season only from a container so I can end up with those packed displays of muscari/ daffodil mixes, or Monty’s Iris Reticulata filled bowls? 

Posts

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,507
    I'm sure that in pots they can be planted closely as long as they are not touching.
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391
    Yes.  You can plant and treat bulbs as 'disposable annuals' because they already contain the forming flower and just need water, air and sunlight to flower.  All they need is a bit of room to grow some roots to take in the water.  In order to be of use the following year, they then need nutrients from the soil as well as the former 3 in order to build the bulb back up for next year.  Close planting means they won't be able to do that, so if you don't intend to use them next year, then just dispose when they have finished flowering.  Lots of folk simply plant the pot contents in the garden at that stage, and if they come back next year, consider it a bonus.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • ciaranmcgreneraciaranmcgrenera Posts: 233
    edited May 2021
    @K67, @BobTheGardener, Cheers folks!
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391
    edited May 2021
    I would add that I'd think twice about planting muscari from pots into your garden though - they spread rather too easily and the long floppy leaves look very untidy for long stretches of the year.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • ciaranmcgreneraciaranmcgrenera Posts: 233
    edited May 2021
    BobTheGardener said:
    I would add that I'd think twice about planting muscari from pots into your garden though - they spread rather too easily and the long floppy leaves look very untidy for long stretches of the year.
    No fear there, I only really like them in pots for that very reason.
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