How to Plant Alliums

If you want one of the biggest thrills that a gardener can have, try growing a giant ornamental allium. When it blooms, it's a perfect sphere of deep lilac flower that sits atop a tall stem. The best part of it is the ease in growing the plant.

Things You'll Need

• Tools for digging and planting
• Compost
• Allium bulbs

Instructions

1. Find a sunny area. Some alliums can grow in semi-shade but most thrive in the sun.

2. Prepare to plant the bulbs in the late fall for a spring garden. Although onion sets (another variety of allium) are usually planted in the early spring, most ornamental alliums require a fall planting.

3. Measure the length of the bulb. This measurement will determine the depth of the planting. You will need to plant the bulb 3 to 4 times this measurement. If you have a 1 inch bulb then the bulb will be covered with 3 to 4 inches of soil.

4. Plant the bulbs in groups. Space the groups about 9 inches apart for large varieties and 4 inches apart for the smaller.

5. Leave the clumps undisturbed until it's obvious that the flowering is reduced. Then, dig and separate some of the bulbs. Make certain to add some compost to soil.

6. Stake the tall ornamental varieties that may be exposed to a lot of wind. Also deadhead the flowers after blooming, leaving a few for seed propagation.

Tips & Warnings

• Even though alliums ornamental, you may want to think twice before you use them as cut flowers. They tend to have an onion or garlic smell.