Blog

Planting Timing

• Best months: September – November
• Soil temperature: Cool but not frozen.
• Plant before hard frosts so bulbs can root well.

Soil Preparation & Drainage

• Alliums hate sitting in water: choose light, well-drained soil.
• On heavy clay:
  • Dig in grit or sharp sand to improve drainage.
  • Raise the planting site slightly if soil stays wet in winter.
• Add a little well-rotted compost or Mr Middleton’s Seaweed for stronger stems and flowers.

Depths & Spacing

• General rule: Plant bulbs 2–3 times their own depth.
• Large varieties (A. giganteum, A. ‘Globemaster’):
  • Depth: 15–20cm
  • Spacing: 30 -40cm
• Medium varieties (A. hollandicum, A. ‘Purple Sensation’ A. christophii:
  • Depth: 10–15cm
  • Spacing: 15–20cm
• Small alliums (A. moly, A. Graceful):
  • Depth: 7–10cm
  • Spacing: 6-10cm
• In pots: Ensure 5cm between bulbs and use a gritty peat-free mix.

Variety Picks

• Reliable performers:
  • Allium hollandicum ‘Purple Sensation’ — rich purple, easy naturalised
  • Allium aflatunense — strong, mid-sized, long flowering perfect in grass
• Stand-out showstoppers:
  • Allium giganteum — tall, dramatic globes , one of the last to flowers so good for continuing the season .
  • Allium ‘Globemaster’ — huge purple heads, excellent cut flower , as it sterile the flowers last for  6 -10 weeks
  • Allium christophii — starburst flowers, metallic sheen that really stand out I  also use them  excellent as a dried flowers . I have even sprayed them with gold for Christmas  table decorations .
• Compact options: for rockeries pots and patio .
  • Allium moly (yellow flowers, May–June)
  • Allium caeruleum (sky blue, early summer)

Naturalising Tips

• Plant in drifts or clusters of 5–7 for impact.
• Combine with perennials (Nepeta, Geranium, Alchemilla) to hide foliage as it dies back.
• Alliums suit wildlife meadows particularly A.Alatunense A. Purple Sensation  , Allium Caeruleum .  — bees adore them.

Pests & Problems

• Slugs/snails: Rarely a problem, but young shoots may be nibbled , but will recover .
• Wind rock: Tall stems (giganteum types) may lean in very exposed sites — stake early.
• Botrytis (mould): Avoid by spacing bulbs properly and improving airflow.
• Squirrels mice , birds : Usually leave them alone .

After-Care

• Allow leaves to die back naturally (don’t cut until yellow) so bulbs store energy for next year.
• Feed with a Mr Middleton Flower & Fruit Extra fertiliser after flowering.
• In pots, lift bulbs after foliage dies and store dry, to replant in autumn however it’s better if after flowering you can find a spot in the garden for them to die back naturally . 
• Many varieties particularly  the smaller A. Moly , etc will self-seed lightly if soil is undisturbed.

This week’s action:

• Order bulbs now while stocks last.
• Choose a sunny, well-drained spot.
• Plant in clumps of 5–7, 15–20cm deep depending on variety.
• Water once after planting, then leave nature to do the rest.