Planting Allium Bulbs

Although mostly regarded as vegetables, the allium family contains some ornamental flowering plants as well, known as “onion flowers”, appreciated for their beautiful colours; planted in flower beds, edges or flower rugs they look stunning. Each species has different colours and shapes but they all grow leafless stems with clusters of flowers at the top which progressively bloom, starting from the outside. Some of the most popular allium grown for their beauty are Allium siculum, Allium pulchellum, Allium nigrum, Allium rosenbachianum and others

Propagation is achieved through bulbs or seeds, but through bulbs the success rate is higher, and it should be done in late autumn or early spring.

If done properly, the allium will fill your garden with pretty flowers from spring through late summer, or even early autumn.

Choose a sunny area (at least 4-6 hours of daylight per day) and dig it so that it is some 4 inches deep; mix the soil with bulb fertilizer or organic compost. Plant the bulbs in groups of 4 or 5, setting them about 6 inches apart, and cover with soil leaving the tip of the bulbs only lightly covered. Water and add mulch using even dried bark if the climate is cold and the bulbs might freeze. Every 4 years you can divide the bulbs.

When flower buds begin to form you can add some fertilizer and you should know there aren’t many pests or infections that can attack them; if they do get an infection like onion smut it should heal nicely if acted timely and accordingly.

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