Allium Growing Guide
Allium (Allium spp.) is a perennial bulb that is related to garlic, onions and leek, which make them deer resistant and a popular addition to many gardens. When the bulbs are planted in a group they are a show stopper. They will do well in USDA Zones 3 to 9 and prefer full sun to part sun.
There are hundreds of varieties with globe shaped flowers that rise up on a long stalk. The flower height can range from 6-inches to 3-feet high with flower size from 4 to 6-inches across. The large flower ball is actually a group of individual flowers. Bloom times can range from late spring through early summer.
The flower colors are lavender, blue, pink, white and yellow. Bloom time is late spring through early summer. After the blooms fade the leaves yellow and die back. The bulbs should be planted behind shorter flowers.
They are resistant to deer and squirrels and attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
Soil Preparation
Plant your bulbs in average loose well-drained garden soil. Wet soil will cause the bulbs to rot.
When to Plant
They should be planted in the late fall just after the first frost, but before the ground freezes. The bulbs need some time to grow roots before the ground freezes.
Planting
Follow the directions provided by the grower. Planting depth is usually 1 to 2-times the diameter of the bulb. Allium flowers look the best when planted in groups. Depending on the variety the bulb spacing can range from 3 to 9-bulbs per square foot.
Watering and Care
Allium are low maintenance and easy to care for. All you need to do is add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and keep out competing weeds. They should be kept moist during the blooming season, but they can be allowed to dry out a bit when the bulb goes dormant.
Diseases and Pests
Alliums have no serious insect or disease problems. There can be problems from wet soil or if planted too deep or too shallow.
Tips and Warnings
Remove spent blooms and dead foliage. They make great cut flowers for flower arrangements. The flowers can also be dried for flower arrangements later in the season.
Popular Allium Varieties
Blue:
Allium caeruleum
Purple:
Allium 'Purple Sensation'
Allium aflatunense
Allium giganteum
Allium 'Globemaster'
Allium sphaerocephalon 'Drumstick'
Lavender:
Allium 'Millennium'
Allium unifolium
Pink:
Allium cristophii
Allium karataviense
Allium oreophilum
Allium cernuum
Allium schubertii
Allium thunbergii
Yellow:
Allium moly
Allium favum
White:
Allium triquetrum
Allium 'Mount Everest'
Allium neapolitanum
Allium texanum
Allium zebdanense
Sources: Brecks, Burpee, Eden Brothers
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