Alliums, Flowering Onion plants, produce orb-shaped flowerheads on tall thin stalks that almost seem to float above the garden. Pollinators visit allium plants throughout the flowering season. Alliums are also one of the most deer resistant perennials grown today.
These easy to grow, cold-hardy perennials can be used to add a whimsical almost Suess-like feel to otherwise dull-looking perennial plantings. Often seen in cottage gardens, planted along walkways, or grown in patio containers.
Alliums make a bold statement in the garden and are an excellent choice for the back of the perennial border due to their height. Once the blooms fade in early summer you can cut the flowers for dried arrangements or leave them standing in the garden. Alliums are sun-lovers and prefer well-drained soil. Typically allium bulbs are planted in the fall only but by buying potted alliums you can plant them any time of year without worry.
Allium plants grow best in full sun, but they will tolerate partial shade. They are hardy in zones 3 through 8, so northern gardeners can enjoy these spherical beauties. Alliums do need well-drained soil and will not tolerate soggy water-logged areas of the garden.
With their unique, eye-catching blooms, it’s no wonder alliums have become so popular! But where’s the best place to purchase these special bulbs? In this guide, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of various allium buying options so you can make an informed decision
Buying from Local Nurseries and Garden Centers
Your local independent nurseries and garden centers are a great place to check for allium bulbs. Here are some of the benefits of buying locally:
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You can see and inspect bulbs in person before purchasing. This allows you to pick large, healthy specimens.
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Availability of bulbs that are suitable for your specific hardiness zone. Local sellers offer varieties proven to thrive in your area.
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Earlier access to bulbs in late summer or early fall planting seasons.
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Ability to find unique, specialty allium varieties not widely available online.
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Support small, local businesses when you buy local.
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Minimal shipping time – buy and plant bulbs same day.
The selection may be smaller than online but buying local allows you to get bulbs in the ground at the right planting time.
Ordering Bulbs from Online Retailers
From major retailers to specialty breeders online outlets offer convenience plus vast allium selection. Consider these benefits of online ordering
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Wider selection of popular, rare, and unique allium varieties to choose from.
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Order exactly what you want rather than settling for in-store stock.
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Take time to carefully review details like bloom times, height, colors, and growing zones.
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Order early for best availability – bulbs sell out quickly!
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Reputable online sellers package bulbs properly to avoid damage in transit.
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Delivery right to your door – no carrying heavy bags home from the store.
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Competitive pricing and bulk discounts often available.
Just be sure to order early before supplies run out! Factor in shipping times as well.
Things to Consider When Ordering Online
To ensure success with mail order bulbs, keep these tips in mind:
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Shop with reputable retailers known for quality. Check reviews and guarantees.
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Be aware of the best planting time in your zone and order accordingly. Bulbs don’t store well long term.
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Select expedited shipping if bulbs may sit too long in transit and miss ideal planting window.
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Inspect bulbs promptly upon arrival and file claims for any damage right away.
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Plant bulbs ASAP after receiving to avoid prolonged storage.
Order early to avoid delays and ensure bulbs arrive when you need them. Prioritize retailers with fast processing and shipping.
Ask Friends or Neighbors for Bulb Divisions
Once established, allium plants produce offsets that can be divided every few years. If you have gardening friends, ask about obtaining some divisions.
Benefits of divisions:
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Free bulbs! Share your own extras to spread the love.
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Divisions are hardy since they are already acclimated to local conditions.
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Mature bulbs yield blooms sooner than planting from seed.
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Grow special heirloom or native varieties passed along from others’ gardens.
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Trade bulbs to get new-to-you allium types while thinning overcrowded clumps.
With a little networking, you can propogate beautiful drifts of alliums for free!
Start Alliums from Seed
While starting from seed requires patience, here’s why it’s worth the wait:
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Much wider selection of varieties available as seed rather than as bulbs. Try unique or rare types.
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Lower cost than purchasing mature bulbs. You can buy a whole seed packet for the price of 1-2 bulbs.
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Grow special alliums not available locally as mature bulbs. Imported seed expands options.
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Choose from interesting seed-grown hybrids and varieties bred for traits like bloom color, shape, size, and more.
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Enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing your own bulbs from seedling to bloom!
Give yourself plenty of time to start seeds early indoors. It can take up to two years for blooms.
Things to Know About Starting Alliums from Seed
Growing alliums from seed is rewarding but requires some patience. Keep these tips in mind:
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Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks prior to your last spring frost date. Alliums need an early start.
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Use fresh seed within 1-2 years of purchase for best germination rates. Discard old seed.
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Expect slower germination, often 7-14 days. Keep seed trays warm and moist.
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Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are several inches tall and the danger of frost has passed.
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Allow at least 1-2 years for seed-grown plants to reach maturity and produce blooms.
Seed-grown alliums may not be as large or produce as many blooms at first. But this will improve as bulbs reach maturity.
Digging Alliums from the Wild
In some regions, allium species grow wild in meadows and woodlands. But exercise caution – don’t harvest wild alliums unless:
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You have express permission from the land owner to dig bulbs. Never poach plants from private property or protected public lands.
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Harvesting the bulbs will not threaten the overall native plant population. Never fully deplete an existing wild colony.
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You are able to confirm the exact species. There are poisonous plants that resemble alliums. Positively identify any wild bulbs you intend to consume.
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It is legal to dig that plant. Some native species are protected and illegal to harvest without a permit.
Foraging bulbs responsibly from fully vetted areas can let you enjoy native varieties. But always put conservation first!
I hope these tips help you decide the best source to purchase allium bulbs suited to your needs and budget. With the right bulbs from a reputable seller, you’ll be rewarded with vigorous allium plants and breathtaking blooms in your garden for years to come.
Caring For Allium Plants after they Flower
When allium plants have finished flowering, you can remove the spent flower heads or leave them in place to dry. Many gardeners consider the seed heads to be an interesting ornamental feature, and they can often last into the fall.
Keep in mind Alliums need their foliage to produce energy for next year’s flowers since technically they are a bulb. Its important to allow allium foliage to die back naturally without being removed from the plant. Once it has withered and turned yellow, it can be removed from the plant.
How to Plant Alliums
Allium bulbs are typically planted in the fall, but the varieties listed here are herbaceous alliums and develop fibrous root systems like other flowering perennials. These types of flowering onions can be planted at any time of year. Alliums are heavy feeders, so be sure to amend the soil with compost before planting.
Perennial Alliums Do this NOW To Prevent them From Spreading Or Becoming Invasive
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