Did you know that alliums are in the same family as onions, garlic, and shallots? Although alliums ARE in that same family, not to worry, their scent is very faint and your garden won't smell like an oniony salad. That being said, because alliums are in the onion family, they deter insects and critters, so they're perfect for planting in a big garden. Today we'll show you how to grow giant alliums in your garden and we guarantee your garden WILL be a showstopper!
How to Grow Giant Alliums in Your Garden
Source: Edenbrothers
Giant alliums are grown from their giant bulbs which can be purchased at most nurseries or even online. The flowers can grow as big as a soccer ball and the stalks can get as high as 3 1/2 feet.
Planting Giant Alliums:
- Choose a spot with full sun and good soil drainage. Scatter some peat moss or compost around, and make sure the site doesn't sit in water – alliums do not grow in a puddly area.
- Dig holes about 3″ deep and 6-8″ apart. Plant the allium bulbs with the pointy end facing up.
- Plant in spring.
- After planting, water the soil well to settle the soil around the bulbs.
- Depending on your location, roots will form in the fall, but the rest of the growth will happen in the spring.
- After your alliums have bloomed, leave the foliage in place and do not cut it off. The leaves will soak up sunlight and strengthen the bulb for next season.
- By mid summer, the leaves will have turned yellow and the plant will have went into dormancy. You can now remove the dead leaves.
- Your allium plant will rest for a few months and then begin its growth cycle again.
Care:
Source: Edenbrothers
- As long as your allium plant has enough sun and good drained soil, it will not need much care.
- Depending on the amount of rain, water about 1″ per week.
- If you wish to plant in pots, follow the same instructions as above.
Happy Planting!
