Planting Bulbs in Australia
Australian Autumn is the perfect time to start planting bulbs. Here’s an easy, Step-by-Step guide on how to plant bulbs in a window box.
With so many varieties you can have your window box blooming from winter to summer with an array of colour and fragrances. Planting bulbs of different varieties will ensure your window box will always be in bloom; and it will make a lovely feature to any window around your home. It’s often an inexpensive way to dress up your property’s exterior and make a welcoming vista, for yourself when returning home each day and for visitors.
Step 1: How to pick your window box
Prepare your window box making sure there are sufficient drainage holes. It is important to select a relatively deep window box as some of the bulbs need to be planted to a depth of up to 15cm.
Step 2: Prepare for drainage
Before adding potting mix, you might consider adding a layer of broken pot pieces or chipped bark to the bottom to help with drainage. This is a very important when planting bulbs, as they can easily become water logged and rot.
Step 3: Planting bulbs to the required depth
Place potting mix into window box making sure there is enough to cover the base at a depth of a couple of centimetres (and up to 15 cm depending on the variety you intend to plant). If you have purchased the bulbs they will usually come with specific instructions on what depth to plant each variety at.
Plant bulbs pointed side upwards.
When planting bulbs, you may choose to do one consistent layer at a uniform depth to create a mass planting of the same variety at the same height.
Alternatively, you can plant bulbs in different layers, placing large bulbs in first such as tulips, daffodils and Irises – these need to be planted at a depth of at least 15 centimetres.
Step 4: Add your potting mix in stages
Add more potting mix on top of first layer of bulbs. Carefully arrange second layer of bulbs trying to position them between the bulbs underneath. To balance out your window box please choose your bulbs in accordance to size as they will need to be smaller than the first layer. You may consider such varieties as crocus, babiana, spring stars and dutch irises which need to be planted at a depth of 10 centimetres.
Step 5: Completing your window box
Top up window box with potting mix. Water your bulbs in well.
Bulbs will take a few months to bloom, so you will have to be patient and remember to water regularly but ensure good drainage.
In the interim, you may consider planting some small winter flowers in the shallower depths of the window box such as pansies and violets if you need a burst of colour and flowers sooner.
When positioning your window box please take into consideration that bulbs need good sunlight to light shade to assure healthy plants.
We hope you’ve now got a better understanding of how to plant bulbs ready for spring bloom in the Australian time zone; and are inspired to create some colourful blooms in window boxes at your home, or even as gifts for friends.
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