What To Plant On Top Of Bulbs In Pots

Pot Planting Party: The Bulb & Companion Show

Alright, gather 'round, green thumbs! Today, we're diving into a fun little gardening hack that'll make your pots pop. We're talking about planting on top of bulbs. Sound crazy? It's not! It's like a magical plant party in a pot.

Bulbs: The Party Hosts

First things first, let's meet our hosts - the bulbs. These are the root veggie equivalents of your plant crew. They're the ones chilling underground, doing their thing, and providing the base for our pot party.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. Bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths have a growth cycle. They bloom, then they chill, then they bloom again. But here's the quirky bit - they don't mind if you plant other stuff on top of them while they're chilling!

Choosing Your Guests

So, who do you invite to this underground shindig? Well, that's up to you, but here are a few tips:

Annuals are your party crashers. They grow fast, bloom fast, and then they're gone. Think marigolds, petunias, or even some lettuce. They'll have a blast while the bulbs are chilling.

Tender perennials are like your regulars. They'll stick around for a season or two, then you can move them to a permanent spot. Things like impatiens or pansies love this setup.

And here's a fun fact - some plants need to be planted on top of bulbs to grow! That's right, certain types of crocuses and tulips won't bloom unless they're planted with a bulb. Talk about a symbiotic friendship!

Setting the Scene

Now, let's talk pots. You want something deep enough for your bulbs to spread their roots, but not so deep that your guests are swimming in soil. A good rule of thumb? The pot should be about three times as deep as the bulb is tall.

Next, fill your pot with some well-draining soil. Bulbs don't like to sit in water, so drainage is key. Then, plant your bulbs pointy side up, about 6 inches deep. Water them in, and let them chill.

Adding the Crowd

Now comes the fun part - inviting your guests! Once your bulbs have sprouted and started growing, it's time to plant your companions. Just poke a hole in the soil, pop in your plant, and give it a little water.

What Can I Plant On Top Of Bulbs In Pots at Maureen Baker blog

Here's where it gets weirdly wonderful. Your guests will grow around your bulbs. They won't compete for space, because they're not growing in the same direction. It's like they're dancing around each other!

The Grand Reveal

Here's where the magic happens. Your guests will bloom, adding a pop of color to your pot while the bulbs are chilling. Then, when your guests are done, the bulbs will wake up and bloom in their place. It's like a plant switcheroo!

And the best part? This whole process can happen twice in one season. That's right, your pot can have two parties in one year. How's that for a plant rager?

Cleanup Crew

Alright, so what happens when your guests are done? Well, you can either leave them in the pot to add some greenery while the bulbs are chilling, or you can pull them out and compost them.

But here's a fun fact - some annuals will self-seed if you leave them in the pot. That means they'll drop seeds and grow new plants next year. It's like a never-ending plant party!

Mix & Match

Now, you might be thinking, "That sounds great, but I don't want to wait for my bulbs to bloom." Well, here's a sneaky trick - you can plant your companions before your bulbs bloom!

Just plant your companions like usual, then plant your bulbs around them. The bulbs will grow up through the soil, and your companions will grow around them. It's like a plant mix-and-match game!

So, are you ready to throw a plant party in a pot?

Give this bulb-companion planting a try. It's a fun, easy way to add some extra color and life to your pots. And who knows? You might just start a plant trend in your neighborhood. So go on, get planting, and let's see those pot parties roll in!