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Alliums

stephendsmith58stephendsmith58 Posts: 4
in Problem solving
when is the right time to plant mixed allium bulbs in my garden. 
From a new gardener 
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Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 53,955
    Anytime now @stephendsmith58 :)
    The main thing is to put them in the best conditions for them to grow well, and to plant them at the appropriate depth - around 2 to 3 times the depth of the bulb. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • stephendsmith58stephendsmith58 Posts: 4
    Thanks for your help 👍
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 53,955
    A pleasure  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • AstroAstro Posts: 419
    Are people tending to use grit in the planting hole? It's just I've seen it suggested from some sources.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 53,955
    I'm personally not keen on the 'grit in the bottom of a hole' method. I prefer to mix grit in if the soil is heavier. 
    A bundle of gravel/grit at the bottom of a hole can create a sump, causing the very problem you're trying to avoid with any plant needing good drainage. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • AstroAstro Posts: 419
    Cool I'll likely mix some in with compost and coir. In the past before I got into gardening more fully I just poked a hole in the mud and dropped the bulb( not alliums) in. They always grew 😄
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 53,955
    Some bulbs will grow no matter what they're planted in @Astro, but it's worth a bit of effort with alliums, as they generally like a lighter soil. 

    It's true though - many plants stick two fingers up at us when we try too hard  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • stephendsmith58stephendsmith58 Posts: 4
     :) that’s helpful 👍
  • AstroAstro Posts: 419
    Fairygirl said:
    Some bulbs will grow no matter what they're planted in @Astro, but it's worth a bit of effort with alliums, as they generally like a lighter soil. 

    It's true though - many plants stick two fingers up at us when we try too hard  ;)
    Yes I think there's a balance between treating plants with no concern over their needs and mollycoddling, this comes with experience. In this instance I've used your experience👍


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 53,955

    Astro said:
    Yes I think there's a balance between treating plants with no concern over their needs and mollycoddling, this comes with experience. In this instance I've used your experience👍


     :D 
    It's funny how some plants grow despite our efforts, and others grow just to spite us! I've lost count of the people who can't grow things like Lily of the Valley, despite having what's regarded as the perfect conditions -moist, shady etc. Then someone will say 'I can't get rid of it - it's in a sunny dry bed'  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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