depth of bulb planting

[cheops]

Hi All,
Does anyone know the MAXIMUM depth a flower bulb can be planted, - maximum meaning how deep can youy plant it without it being adversely affected?

[veggiechicken]

The recommended depth is 2-3 times the height of the bulb. So you can't give an actual measurement without knowing what bulb you're thinking of
Why would you want to plant any deeper than that?

[cheops]

thx veggie chicken for your reply. You say quite rightly the recommended depth is 2/3 times the bulb size. But it is the maximum depth I am after which wil not be too deep as to affect the growth and flowering of the plant. The reason I want to plant deeper than the recommended depth if viable is that I want to take advantage of space. By that I mean say for example take a sq ft of a flower bed. If you planted a layer of hyacinths, then on top a layer of daffodils then tulips, then lilies then alliums then provived no bulb is planted too deep for its own good you would have a sq foot not needing any attention yet will be in almost continuous flower from spring and right throuh the summer months.

[mothhawk]

It depends as well whether you are going to leave them in situ or dig them up in autumn. Some bulbs, like crocus, hyacinths and tulips need warmth to develop next years bud, so no deeper than recommended. Temperate woodland bulbs like daffodil, bluebell and snowdrop don't need so much warmth for flower bud formation, so can be planted deeper. In their natural state they would be buried deeper and deeper each year by woodland leaf litter.

I've found, particularly with snowdrops, that they gradually work their way upwards anyway, as they multiply and make new bulbs, although I vaguely remember seeing a programme sometime that showed how some bulbs (can't remember which unfortunately), actually use their roots to pull themselves down into the soil if they are not deep enough.

[veggiechicken]

You also have to consider the distance between the bulbs when planting as a bulb planted below another bulb would have difficulty coming to the surface or may push a small bulb out.

[cheops]

As always thx to all who offered advice/knowledge. Some interesting stuff. I guess I'll trial in different areas with the same layers of bulbs but at differents depths. If I record accurately and record the results I should get interesting information.

[Thelma Sanders]

On Beechgrove Garden prog. they planted deep tubs up with 4 (I think) layers of bulbs that flowered in order, gave a wonderful display

[cheops]

Thx Thelma thats what I'm aiming for - a continuous display with no more work.

[Thelma Sanders]

I found the fact sheet - here you go
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q...hdzMUKHUVBZlgg

It's on page 2

[cheops]

Many many thanks Thelma for taking the trouble to upload that. Yep it seems you can plant deep, multi-layer and have a season long display. In the garden or in pots. Can't wait!!