How to Plant Giant Alliums with Alan Titchmarsh 💜, by Gardening With Alan Titchmarsh on YouTube. 2 min 23 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 23 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Pick a spot in full sun with soil that drains freely. Alliums rot in wet, boggy ground, so avoid low corners where water sits.
Choose big, firm bulbs. Skip any that feel soft or look mouldy, since they will not grow well.
Plant in autumn, from September to November, so the bulbs root before winter cold sets in.
Dig a hole about three times the bulb's height deep. For a large allium bulb that is roughly 15 cm deep.
Set the bulb in the hole with the pointed tip facing up. Press it gently into the base of the hole.
Space bulbs about 20 to 30 cm apart so the tall stems have room and the heads do not crowd.
Fill the hole with soil and firm it with your hands. Do not stamp on it, just settle the ground.
Water the spot well after planting. Then leave the bulbs alone through winter unless the weather is very dry.
Mark the planting spot with a label or small stick so you do not dig into the bulbs before they appear.
Tips and common mistakes
Mix bulb compost or grit into heavy clay soil to improve drainage around the bulb.
Plant alliums among perennials so the fading leaves are hidden as the plants grow.
Squirrels and mice dig up bulbs, so press the soil down firmly and cover the spot with mesh if needed.
Wear gloves when handling bulbs and wash your hands afterwards, as some bulbs can irritate skin.
Questions
When should I plant giant allium bulbs?
Plant them in autumn, ideally between September and November. They need a cold spell to root well and flower the next spring.
How deep do allium bulbs go?
A good rule is three times the bulb's height. Large allium bulbs usually go about 15 cm deep with the pointed end up.
Will alliums come back every year?
Yes, most alliums are hardy perennials and return each spring. Leave the foliage to die back naturally so the bulb stores energy.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
