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Allium bulbs

GwenrGwenr Posts: 150
in Plants
I want to plant some Allium bulbs in pots as the garden is not quite ready for the bulbs to be planted till the end of next month. Can I plant them in the pots now, what size pot should I use and where should I position them? Or would it be better to wait until the end of next month when I start planting all the daffodil bulbs. I've noticed my Hyacinths have started sprouting in the shed, so concerned the Allium will do the same.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 54,353
    You can do them at any time if you have the bulbs. It will depend on the varieties you have as to how you treat them - some aren't particularly good for pots long term as they're tall and top heavy, but if you have other planting/pots around them, that helps. If they're going into a bed or border, bear that in mind too.

    Alliums tend to have lots of foliage appearing before they get their flowering stems showing, so don't worry about that. Keep them outside anyway once planted, just soemwhere sheltered from the worst of the approaching autumn/winter weather. 
    Just plant as per instructions too - and like most bulbs, two to three times the depth of the bulb itself, so pick apot that will allow some soil/compost below the bulb, and enough height above it  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GwenrGwenr Posts: 150
    They never came with any instructions, just help yourself into a bag. Not sure they were a good price, 5 for £2 and the picture on the box they were in showed blue ones, I was having an off day, usually on the ball about these things, not this time.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 54,353
    Just plant according to the bulb size. They'll be fine. You can put them quite close together in pots, whether you leave them in or plant them out later.  :)

    If you want to put them into the garden when it's ready, it might better to wait until they flower, so that you have a reasonable idea of the height they reach, and can pick a good location. You could also post a pic on the forum at that point to see if people can ID them for you. 
    Remember to mark them once planted too  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,548
    I rejig my borders in March, so for the last couple of years I planted my alliums in 9cm pots and lined them up by the shed, then planted them as part of my border work in March. The pots were well and truly rooted out, but it worked fine and meant I didn't have to worry about disturbing them.
  • GwenrGwenr Posts: 150
    Found out the bulbs are purple sensation.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 54,353
    I wondered if they would be that - it's one of the most widely sold   :)
    You can look up info on one of bulb specialist's sites - Peter Nyssen is excellent.  
    https://www.peternyssen.com/
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • smartrving1299FV5wyL2Wsmartrving1299FV5wyL2W Posts: 8
    In general, the best time to plant allium bulbs is during fall, though spring is also possible. Before planting allium bulbs, make sure the ground has a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. If the acidity level is not right, you can adjust the soil with peat moss or compost.
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