Most flower bulb varieties do well with the limited space in the balcony box. We can take advantage of this and use them to create a cheerfully colorful balcony border. However, the small flower carpets should be planned carefully and prepared at the right time. This is how the project succeeds.
How do you plant flower bulbs in window boxes?
For flower bulbs in balcony boxes, hardy varieties such as tulips, daffodils and hyacinths should be planted in autumn, and more exotic species such as begonias in spring. Pay attention to drainage-rich soil, sufficient watering and fertilization, and protection from the cold during wintering.
Suitable flower bulb varieties
Basically, all flower bulb varieties can also be cultivated in balcony boxes. But since they don't hang, but rather strive upright, the varieties that grow too tall are less suitable. Very low-growing varieties, on the other hand, would appear a bit lost.
The most popular are tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, which bring colorful spring to the balcony. Combine the flower bulbs with purely green plants to create an even more attractive planting.
Substrate and drainage
Simple potting soil is completely sufficient for the onion plants. However, it should be mixed with sand to make it even more permeable. Because moisture must not accumulate on these flowers, otherwise they will easily rot.
The aversion to moisture also requires balcony boxes with drainage holes. A drainage layer made of gravel (€19.00 on Amazon) or expanded clay should also not be missing.
Planting date in autumn
When the flower bulbs are planted depends on their winter hardiness. Spring bloomers are hardy and are planted in autumn. This means there is enough time to form new roots before the first frost.
Planting date in spring
Flower bulbs with an exotic origin such as begonias only come into the balcony box in spring, after the Ice Saints. However, you can plant these bulbs in a room weeks earlier.
Lasagne method
The lasagne method involves planting different types of flower bulbs in layers. This ensures maximum flower abundance. This type of planting is ideal for the balcony box.
- plant the largest bulbs first
- then follow the smaller onions
- Finally there is a layer of tiny flower bulbs
- cover everything with earth
Care
Flower bulbs have enough nutrients stored to bloom beautifully for a full season. You should still fertilize them regularly with a liquid fertilizer until flowering. This will also strengthen them for the following year.
Don't forget to water the bulbs. Because your water requirement is greater in the balcony box than in the garden.
Wintering
After planting in autumn, flower bulbs in the balcony box are exposed to frost. Although they are hardy, they require protection. That's why they and their box should overwinter in a cool, frost-free room.
Alternatively, overwintering on the balcony is possible. Then:
- Set up balcony boxes in a protected place
- place on Styrofoam
- wrap with fleece or bubble wrap
- cover with brushwood
