A gardening expert has shared the best way to plant daffodils now to increase their chances of flowering well in the spring, and it involves layering the bulbs
Phoebe Cornish Senior Lifestyle Reporter and Shania King-Soyza
15:26, 26 Sep 2025
Daffodils will flower in waves if you use one lasagna method in autumn(Image: Getty)
Flowering bulbs provide a wonderful spectacle as they bloom throughout their respective seasons, and daffodils rank amongst the most beloved spring choices. Their vibrant, cheerful flowers are robust, dependable, and ideal for borders, lawns, and containers.
The planting window extends from September to November, making this the perfect moment to get bulbs into the earth whilst the soil retains its warmth and before colder, damper conditions arrive. However, simply planting daffodils all at once isn’t advisable, cautions Eflorist’s flower specialist, David Denyer, who boasts over 35 years of expertise.
He recommends the “lasagne” planting technique, which proves particularly successful for extending your display across numerous weeks, reports the Express.
Through layering bulbs at varying depths and mixing early, mid, and late-flowering daffodils, you can savour successive waves of colour instead of one brief burst.
Consistent temperatures matter when scheduling gardening activities such as bulb planting, though it should also be completed before conditions become overly damp. This enables the bulbs to develop robust root systems, resulting in vigorous growth and spring blooms.
To do lasagne planting, select bulbs that bloom at different times(Image: Getty)
“If you wait until late winter, your bulbs may not establish properly, which can result in small or missing blooms,” warned David. Selecting planting locations proves straightforward, as they require just a basic combination of sun and shade.
A bright or partially shaded position with well-draining soil works best, though if you’re dealing with heavy clay earth, incorporating grit can help. Alternatively, David recommends planting your bulbs in raised beds and containers to avoid rot. In sandy soil, incorporate some compost to help the earth retain moisture.
How to plant spring bulbs
Spacing and depth are crucial for thriving bulbs. A standard rule is to plant them approximately three times their own depth, typically 10cm to 15cm.
Leave seven to 10cm between each bulb and position them with the pointed end facing upwards, as this is where the shoots will develop from.
For lasagne planting, the initial layer of compost should be substantial enough to allow for adequate root development for the first layer of bulbs.
Lasagne planting is best done in containers with well draining soil(Image: Getty)
Based on your container size, fill it with roughly a quarter to a third of its capacity. Bear in mind that all bulbs will develop roots downward, so this layer will act as a foundation for their growth.
David warned: “If your bulbs are planted too shallowly, they can become unstable and are more likely to topple once they flower.”
To cultivate daffodils in a continual succession of each other, you will need to layer the bulbs. This technique is straightforward:.
Always provide bulbs with a thorough watering to help the soil settle around them and promote root growth once planted. Following that, they can typically be left alone through the winter, as rainfall should supply sufficient moisture.
Bulbs need minimal ongoing care as they already contain all the energy they require to flower, so you don’t need to feed them at planting. David advised: “Just make sure the soil stays free-draining over winter, and if you’re using a container, keep an eye on it so it doesn’t become waterlogged.”
Garden enthusiasts should be wary of bulb-digging nuisances such as squirrels, which have a habit of unearthing newly planted bulbs. These creatures can be discouraged by positioning a protective layer of chicken wire or hardware cloth across the soil surface once planting is complete, fastening it firmly to the container’s rim.
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