This was a technique that I learned while working at Springdale Outdoor. We planted in annual beds hundreds of tulip bulbs under the pansies. In the second week October when we would change out the summer flowers to winter ones, we would intentionally plant tulips too.
The prep work in the bed is crucial. We would rake out and level the soil before attempting to plant. When the soil was smooth, we would take bags of tulip bulbs and toss them out so that they are spaced about 6″ apart.
When we would go to plant the pansy flats, we would plant the tulips at the same time. This might seem like you are planting the bulbs super early because most people wait until real late winter to plant them. What happens is breathtaking to me. In the spring, like late March and early April, the pansies have now grown together and are in their prime. All of a sudden these tulips just start popping through and showing themselves.
This technique is a show stopper for sure. People stop and ask about them, even taking pictures sometimes. I love this and highly recommend it. Obviously it works for planters and pots, not just in the annual beds. Just make sure in the pots that you completely dump out the soil and start with fresh potting mix. Trying to save a few dollars by not giving the plants the nutrients that they need is not smart.
