We all know that fall is the perfect planting time for a number of plant species. Onion flowers are one of them, for example. But does this really apply to all onions or just certain types? When is it best to plant flower bulbs and is the so-called flower lasagne in pots and boxes beneficial for the balcony garden?
Not only can you plant the onions directly in the garden, you can also overwinter them in pots. The procedure is pretty much the same for both variants.
When do you plant flower bulbs? The right time depends on the flowering season
Planting onions is child's play as long as you choose the right time of year. Some need the cold winter temperatures, while others are more sensitive to them. The latter include those flowers that bloom in summer. They are sensitive to cold and therefore only come into the garden soilwhen the frost periods are over.
Which flower bulbs to plant in autumn?
Spring bloomers are among those that absolutely need the cold phase. For this reason, they come into the ground in autumn and then spend the winter months there to be “awakened” by the warm rays of the sun in spring.
But when exactly do you plant flower bulbs?
A fun trick to determine the earliest time is the quinces. Yes, you read that right. As you probably know, the fruits ripen in autumn. As soon as this moment has come, you can start planting the flower bulbs. This is usually the case from September onwards.
And by when should you plant flower bulbs at the latest?
You don't need to be in too much of a hurry. You usually have until December to fill all your flower beds and containers with the colorful spring bloomers.
Exceptions prove the rule: In spring, pre-grown flower bulbs are often offered in supermarkets etc. Of course, if you buy these, you don't need to store them until fall. They are intended to be planted immediately and are ideal for this purpose.
Planting flower bulbs – beds, lawns and pots
Each flower bulb requires a different planting depth. Therefore, you should always inquire about this in advance for the respective flower. This is usually noted on the label. If you decide to plant in pots, you can even work in layers, combining deep and less deep flowers.
Plant bulbs in the flower bed or lawn
You don't need to dig wide holes to plant the bulbs. There are special bulb planters that resemble a funnel and are designed to dig up only the necessary size. This is particularly practical for the lawn, where you want to achieve planting holes that are as inconspicuous as possible.
By the way, planting the lawn is a really beautiful and popular option. Just imagine how pretty the green lawn will look in spring with splashes of color everywhere from crocuses, snowdrops and hyacinths.
Tips for pots and flower boxes
When you plant your flower boxes and pots for the fall/winter season, you can also use them to store the spring flowering bulbs in them. Depending on the depth of the planting container you choose, you can plant two or three rows to create the so-called flower lasagna.
When flower bulbs are put in the form of a flower lasagne
As already mentioned, you also prepare these in the fall. However, the longer you wait, the less likely the flowers will be to bloom in spring.
And how do you go about planting?
The drainage layer is very important and should not be forgotten. Then comes a layer of potting soil and then the flower bulbs from flowers that grow particularly tall. Then there is another layer of soil and, offset from the previous ones, medium-high growing flowers, followed by soil, low-growing spring flowers and finally soil, which you press down lightly.
You can find out more about thisin this article.
Winter protection for onions in balcony boxes or buckets
In any case, you should keep in mind that pots of any kind will be exposed to the winter cold from all sides and the bulbs will therefore be less protected than in the garden soil, for example. It is therefore advisable to additionally protect them from frost with fleece. The containers should also be protected from rain and winter sun. These tips should help you get the bulbs through the winter:
- Ideally, the box or pot with the onions spends the winter in a winter quarters with temperatures between 0 and 8 degrees.If that is not possible:
- Do not leave boxes and pots hanging, but place them on the floor and also on Styrofoam or wood (to insulate and protect them from below).
- The house wall is ideal because the plant container is also protected from rain there.
- Wrap the containers with suitable fleece. Several layers are necessary.
- Spread brushwood over the potting soil as sun protection if you don't have a shady location available.
Some helpful tips for buying flower bulbs and moreyou can get it here.
