Most types of flower bulbs do well in the limited space in the window box. We can take advantage of this and use them to create a cheerfully colorful border around the balcony. However, the small carpets of flowers should be planned carefully and prepared at the right time. This is how the project succeeds.

Hardy spring flowers come into the balcony box as early as autumn

Suitable flower bulb varieties

In principle, all types of flower bulbs can also be cultivated in balcony boxes (€109.00). But since they don't hang, but strive upright, the varieties that grow too tall are less suitable. Very low-growing varieties, on the other hand, would look a bit lost.

The most popular are tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, which bring the colorful spring to the balcony. Combine the flower bulbs with purely green plants for an even more attractive planting.

substrate and drainage

Simple potting soil is perfectly sufficient for the bulbous plants. However, it should be mixed with sand to become even more permeable. Because moisture must not accumulate in these flowers, otherwise it will easily rot.

The aversion to wet weather also calls for window boxes with drainage holes. A drainage layer made of gravel or expanded clay (€19.73) should not be missing either.

Planting date in autumn

When the flower bulbs are planted depends on their winter hardiness. Spring flowers are hardy and are set in autumn. This gives enough time to form new roots before the first frost.

planting date in spring

Flower bulbs with an exotic origin, such as begonia, only come into the window box in spring, after the ice saints. However, you can plant these bulbs in a room weeks earlier.

Lasagna method

In the lasagna method, different types of bulbs are planted in layers. In this way, a maximum of abundance of flowers is achieved. This type of planting is ideal for the balcony box.

  • plant the largest bulbs first
  • then the smaller onions follow
  • at the end comes a layer of tiny flower bulbs
  • cover everything with soil

maintenance

Flower bulbs have stored enough nutrients to flower magnificently for a full season. You should still fertilize them regularly with a liquid fertilizer until flowering. This also strengthens them for the following year.

Don't forget to water the flower bulbs. Because in the balcony box their water requirement is greater than in the garden.

hibernate

After planting in autumn, flower bulbs in balcony boxes are exposed to frost. Although they are hardy, they need protection. Therefore, they should overwinter together with the box in a cool, frost-free room.

Alternatively, you can spend the winter on the balcony. Then:

  • Set up balcony boxes to protect them
  • put on styrofoam
  • wrap with fleece or bubble wrap
  • cover with rice

Category:

Vegetable garden