Alliums FAQ's
Frequently asked questions for Allium bulbs
What is the best month to plant allium bulbs?
Allium bulbs should be planted in autumn between September and mid December, or as soon as possible after they are delivered while fresh. They will not store until the following year.
Which way up do you plant allium bulbs?
Allium bulbs tend be fairly round, but there should be a slight point on one side and this is the top. The bottom of the bulb will be flatter and you may see some of the previous year’s roots attached.
How deep should I plant allium bulbs?
It depends on the variety as some bulbs are smaller than others, smaller bulbs should be planted shallower than bigger bulbs. As a general rule, alliums should be planted at a depth of 2-3 times the height of the bulb. There are some exceptions—you c
Do alliums come back every year?
When planted in suitable conditions, alliums are perennial bulbs and can return each year during spring/early summer. The bulbs sometimes multiply, in which case they may have a break in flowering or produce smaller flowers for a while. Some varietie
How many years do allium bulbs last?
Alliums often flower for several seasons. Some varieties may multiply and become congested. Dividing congested clumps (normally relevant to small allium varieties) will encourage vigour and you will have more bulbs to plant in other locations around
Do alliums bulbs multiply?
Each year, alliums will multiply. This is the more so the case for small varieties which can multiply very effectively. Larger varieties multiply at a much slower rate.
Should I deadhead alliums?
Alliums can be deadheaded once the flowers have faded. As with all bulbs, the stem and leaves should be allowed to turn yellow before it is removed at ground level. Many people choose to leave the spent flowerheads intact as the seedheads look attrac
How many allium bulbs should I plant together?
You can plant one bulb per hole, or dig a wide hole or trenches and plant several at a time. Just ensure the bulbs are spaced correctly—generally this should be around 2-3 times the width of the bulb apart. If planting in small groups, odd numbers lo
Why did my alliums not come up this year?
Alliums will usually flower year after year however they can fail to thrive if they have been planted too deep, too shallow, in boggy soil and in a position without sun. If your alliums have multiplied since the first year, the new bulbs will be imma
What should I plant in front of alliums?
Alliums look great planted among contrasting flowers and foliage. Choose plants that flower during the same time (late spring/early summer) to complement the tall blooms, such as peonies, geraniums, ornamental grasses or alchemilla.
What can you not plant near alliums?
Allium will make good bed fellows with most plants in your border however it is not recommended that they are planted near to large shrubs that may overshadow and compete with your allium bulbs.
How many years do alliums bloom?
Some allium varieties flower every year and multiply steadily to form large clumps. Some varieties (typically the larger types) have short lifespans and will grow back for between 1-5 years before the flowering bulb dies.
Will alliums grow in shade?
Most Allium prefer a sunny location however they can also grow in partial shade, which is shade for part of the day or light dappled shade throughout the day.
Are alliums poisonous to dogs?
Alliums and their derivatives can be harmful to dogs if eaten. Irritation of the mouth, nausea, drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea may occur. Always contact your veterinarian if your dog is acting very sick.
Are alliums poisonous to cats?
Alliums and their derivatives can be harmful to cats if eaten. Irritation of the mouth, nausea, drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea may occur. Always contact your veterinarian if your cat is acting very sick.
How do alliums spread?
Some allium varieties set seed very effectively which will grow and mature into flowering bulbs over a number of years. The bulbs themselves also multiply and spread. This applies more to the smaller, natural allium varieties. The larger varieties do
How long do alliums take to grow from a bulb?
Alliums planted in autumn will flower the following spring/summer. After planting in autumn, they remain dormant over winter and then start to grow leaves in early spring, followed by flowers from late spring.
How do I collect allium seeds?
Allium seeds can be collected from the dry blooms during summer/autumn when the seed heads begin to pop open. It takes several years for a seed to grow into a flowering sized bulb.
Do alliums self-propagate?
Alliums will self-seed each season however the seeds will take several years to mature into a flowering plant.
How do you multiply allium bulbs?
Allium varieties which readily multiply (typically the small varieties) should be divided every 4-5 years by digging up the clump in autumn and carefully prising apart the allium bulbs with your hands. The individual bulbs can be replanted in other p
Can you split allium bulbs?
If you have received a bulb which has a smaller bulb attached, you can prise them apart and plant them individually, or you can keep them intact and plant them together. If you have established clumps of allium bulbs in the garden (the smaller variet
How do you store allium bulbs?
Allium should be planted as soon as possible after delivery, however if you need to store them for a short while, they should be kept in open packets in a well ventilated, cool location until you are ready to plant them. They will deteriorate if stor
Can I plant alliums in January?
If you were unable to plant your alliums by December, you can still plant them in January if they have not started to deteriorate. They will not store until the following year so planting them late does give them a better chance than storing them any
Do animals dig up allium bulbs?
Generally, animals are not known to dig up allium bulbs but it can happen. If this may be a problem, you can plant them under a wire cloche or start them off in pots and transplant them in spring to their final location.