Looking to add something totally unique to your flower garden?
Giant alliums are those amazing purple balls-on-a-stick that pop up in spring and make everyone ask “What ARE those?”
I’ve learned all the tricks to growing these show-stopping flowers, and I can’t wait to share them with you!
Essential Growing Requirements
Site Selection
Let me tell you about my first attempt at growing alliums in a shady corner – total rookie mistake!
These sun-loving beauties need full sunshine to thrive and stand tall without flopping over (learned that one the hard way!).
The most crucial thing I’ve discovered is making sure they have well-draining soil – these guys absolutely hate wet feet.
I made the mistake of planting some near my downspout last year, and let’s just say that was an expensive lesson learned.
For those of you dealing with clay soil like I was, don’t worry – raised beds or containers work beautifully too!
Timing & Planting Depth
Here’s something I wish someone had told me when I started: timing is everything with these beauties.
In my garden (Zone 6B), I plant them in November after the first frost but before the ground freezes solid.
When it comes to planting depth, think of it like tucking them into a cozy winter bed – they need to go deep!
For my smaller varieties like Drumstick alliums, I plant them about 4 inches deep.
The big boys, like my beloved Schubertii, need an even deeper home – I go for 6-8 inches down.
Common Varieties & Bloom Sequence
Early Season
My love affair with alliums started with Purple Sensation, and I’ll tell you why – it’s the most budget-friendly variety out there!
These reliable performers come back year after year, and they even spread themselves around (free plants, anyone?).
Mid Season
After Purple Sensation finishes its show, my Gladiator alliums take center stage.
My kids call them “Truffula Trees” from The Lorax, and honestly, that’s the perfect description!
Late Season
Just when you think allium season is winding down, Mount Everest appears with its stunning white blooms.
I absolutely adore mixing these with the purple varieties in bouquets – talk about a show-stopping combination!
Extra Late Season
The grand finale in my garden is always Schubertii – imagine fireworks frozen in time, but in flower form!
These blooms are seriously massive – we’re talking over a foot wide!
Don’t forget about the charming Drumstick alliums – they’re smaller but pack such a punch with their green-to-raspberry coloring.
Five Critical Mistakes to Avoid
After years of trial and error (emphasis on the error!), here are the biggest mistakes I’ve learned to avoid:
Pre-Planting Mistakes
Trust me on this one – don’t try to save money by buying tiny bulbs.
Always check which end is up – look for the darker root end (I’ve definitely planted them upside down before!).
Resist the urge to pamper them with fertilizer – they actually prefer lean soil.
Planting Mistakes
I cannot stress this enough – don’t plant them too shallow or too close together.
Always mark where you planted them (I keep digging up my bulbs during fall planting because I forget where they are!).
After-Care Mistakes
Those pesky spring slugs can demolish your emerging shoots if you’re not careful.
Start your slug management early – I learned this lesson the hard way!
Post-Bloom Care
Maintenance
Here’s a tip that transformed my garden: let those leaves die back naturally, even if they look messy.
Those yellowing leaves are feeding next year’s blooms!
I love leaving the seed heads standing – they add such wonderful architectural interest to the garden.
Uses in Garden
These beauties bridge the gap perfectly between tulip and peony season in my garden.
The best part? The deer and rabbits that demolish my other plants won’t touch these!
Whether you’re creating stunning bouquets, drying them for winter arrangements, or just enjoying them in the garden, alliums are truly the gift that keeps on giving.
And let’s not forget about our buzzing friends – the bees and butterflies absolutely adore these flowers!