Spring Bedding Plants

These are typically planted around October time, following the removal of any summer bedding plants, and might include a selection from a range of plants and bulbs including Anemone, Crocus, Cyclamen, Daffodil (Narcissus), Daisy (Bellis perennis), Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica), Grape Hyacinth (Muscari), Hyacinth (H. orientalis), Polyanthus, Primula, Pansy, Tulip (Tulipa), Viola and Wallflower (Erysimum cheiri). Typically, a bedding display will contain a mixture of bulb plants and leafy plants, at the time of planting.

The density of planting will vary depending on the species and coverage required, but at 150mm spacing (e.g. Forget-me-nots) this could mean about 50 plants per square metre, whilst for up to 300mm spacing (e.g. Wallflowers) this might be 9 plants, but at this spacing these would be well interspersed with bulb plants. Before preparing a planting plan and buying plants / bulbs, make sure the desired spacing for the different species has been worked out.

Prior to planting, the bed will have been cleared of all previous plants and vegetation, well forked over and organic matter will also have been well dug and incorporated into the topsoil to a depth of 250-300mm. The soil pH should be checked and possibly lime (calcium carbonate) applied if the soil is very acidic, with the aim being to keep the soil within a pH of 6.5 ¯ 7.0, or thereabouts. The application of a fertiliser with phosphorus, potassium and magnesium may also be required, aiming to keep the level around the nutrient Index 3 for all these nutrients, although an application of bonemeal (~4% nitrogen and ~22% phosphate) at about 75g/m² may be quite adequate in many cases. The soil will be well raked to produce a relatively smooth surface, and the soil allowed to settle before planting takes place, with typically one week being left between preparation and planting.

The planting design would then be marked out on the bed, which could be by scoring the design onto the soil with a stick (which can be quite suitable for a small area), or a light sprinkling of sand to outline the design for larger areas. For large soil areas use a board to walk on so as not to compact the soil and also so as not to create an untidy and uneven surface where the soil is moist, and which would otherwise stick to boots.

Carefully plant bulbs and plants into the design ensuring a uniform spacing between plants is maintained. To finish off carry out a light firming of the soil around the base of plants (using your knuckles to apply good pressure is a good technique rather than just the front of your fingers) and the soil over any planted bulbs and then water. If the autumn is especially dry, and with drying winds, then additional watering may be needed to ensure the plants become well established before the onset of winter.

Once planted up there should be less maintenance required than for summer bedding plant displays. Leaves, twigs and any other debris which finds itself amongst the plants should be cleared regularly, plants disturbed by squirrels, foxes and other animals will need to be refirmed or ideally replaced if damaged beyond repair or missing, disease might be a problem on some plants, but ideally those which are planted are fairly resistant to disease attack.

Spring bedding displays are usually cleared about the end of May, so that summer bedding plants can be planted when the likelihood of frost has passed, usually around early to mid-June.