How to grow allium bulbs
With large purple pom-pom like blooms on tall stems, these striking easy-to-grow bulbs are well worth planting this autumn to bring late-spring colour into your garden
Alliums look wonderful in borders but will add uniqueness to the structure of your garden no matter where they’re planted
Find out everything you need to know about growing Allium bulbs in our guide
How to plant allium bulbs
Plant Allium bulbs in September or October in a sunny spot in moist but well-drained soil, and they’ll flower in May to June
Plant at a depth of four times the diameter of the bulb. For smaller varieties you want to leave about 3-4 inches of space between each bulb, and 8 inches for taller ones
Border Planting
Planting in borders is probably the easiest and most rewarding way to grow Allium bulbs. Make sure to choose a well-drained spot, as the fleshy bulbs will rot in overly wet soil. Most Alliums prefer a sunny site but can tolerate partial shade. Plant tall varieties at back of your border, and shorter ones at the front
Container Planting
This is a great way to start off your bulbs if you haven’t decided where to put your Allium collection just yet. If you plan to keep your Alliums in a container all year round, ensure that the pot is at least 15 inches in diameter. Remember to maintain water levels in the spring and summer seasons. Alternatively, you can grow Alliums in a smaller pot by placing them in a cold frame (sheltered) spot for the winter, before planting out in the springtime
Natural Planting
This way tends to work better with the smaller species of Alliums such as Allium roseum or Allium schubertii. Keep in mind Alliums look best planted en masse. To achieve a natural effect, place your Allium bulbs in random positions, trying not to be precise. Taller varieties look better planted individually or in drifts, others look good planted amongst other flowers and foliage Alliums are said to be suitable for naturalising and are liable to spread, so make sure that you regularly check on them
Fun fact about Allium bulbs: Alliums are part of the same genus of plants as onion and garlic, but you can’t eat them!
ALLIUM CARE
Keep in mind your taller Alliums might need to be supported. Once the flower heads fade, leave them on the plant as they make for great winter interest, and let them fully die down naturally. Alliums can be left in the garden year after year and will grow back. Mulch them every year with well-rotted compost or manure
CHOOSING YOUR ALLIUMS
Alliums come in different heights and while usually purple, also come in shades of blue, white, yellow and pink
A popular option for Allium growers is the mixed packs of Allium Kings & Queens, which include Allium Nigrum and Allium Purple Sensation, two varieties which have colours that complement each other perfectly!
Allium Party Balloons is a new bulb variety from Taylor’s, which grows multiple stems per bulb with beautifully large ball flowers
Finally, Taylor’s Autumn Bulb of the Year is always a big seller – in 2024 it’s the Allium Rosy Dream which has beautiful fluffy lilac drumsticks, flowering at 40cm tall!