Allium sphaerocephalon 'Drumsticks'

Planting Advice for Alliums

• Find a location where the soil drains well and where they will receive full sun.
• Plant allium bulbs in early to mid-autumn in a sheltered site to prevent the top-heavy flower spikes from getting blown over.
• Dig over the soil and remove any weeds before planting.
• Water well after planting, saturating the soil around the bulbs. Once established, alliums are drought tolerant.
• In borders, plant bulbs in early autumn at a depth of about four times the diameter of the bulbs.
• In containers, alliums will do well in deep pots with a good general-purpose potting compost with a handful of horticultural grit added. 

Aftercare Advice for Alliums

• After planting, feed with a general-purpose feed such as our Blooming Fast Superior Soluble Fertiliser.
• Dried flower heads can be removed and made into indoor decorations or left on the plants to self-seed.
• Divide alliums every three to four years or when the plants begin to look overcrowded and blooming decreases.
• Lift the bulbs with a garden fork or spade and pull the bulbs apart.
• Replant some in the original location and plant the remainder in a new location. 

Pruning and Trimming Advice for Alliums

• The leaves die down at flowering time, so it’s best to plant alliums where this foliage is masked by that of other plants.
• Avoid removing them while still green, as they provide the bulbs with energy for the following season.