skip to main content

Allium Question

18 years ago

I planted a lot of allium bulbs last fall around my deck in a very sunny location. They are growing nicely but most have brown and somewhat withered tips on the them, even the couple of giant alliums among the many other, more typical sized ones. Is this a soil deficiency? Should I worry...do something? Will the blooms be affected? Other perennials and bulbs in same area are not looking that way so I am very confused.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

jackied164 z6 MA
18 years ago
This is my first year growing them and see the same thing. I understand this is normal.
0
john_4b
18 years ago
The Allium's foliage normally begins to die back when the flowers begin to bloom. This is one reason for planting the taller ones in the back of a garden bed, so the blooms poke up above the rest of the emerging plants, but the dying foliage is hidden from view. The blooms are usually normal and not affected. Probably not a soil thing, either.
0
Related Discussions
allium questions
Q
Comments (9)
Depending on the type of allium; some are short lived sending offsets that may take 2 - 3 years to flower. Overcrowding can also occur after a few years, which weakens the remaining plants. They should be dug up every 2 - 3 years; sorted out and respaced. Leaving the seedheads on will also weaken the plants, but do not cut off the leaves. Once the foliage dies back in summer than you can dig and move the bulbs. Do a bit of research, as most of this family is edible and those tiny baby bulbs might have a use in the kitchen.
...See More
nuther allium question
Q
Comments (1)
So far, I haven't had any problems with moles and squirrels trying to eat my onions, shallots or garlic. Of course, I do have a cat that has essentially depopulated the moles over the past three years though the squirrels (and most of the chipmunks) still elude him. Sometimes though I wish he wasn't so darn efficient since my lilies are spreading like wild and there's going to be a battle royale between the lilies and Jerusalem Artichokes this season!
...See More
Allium question
Q
Comments (1)
They do produce their own little bulbs. Depending on the seeds, they can take a year or two to produce a bulb of much size. The allium seed I have planted looks kind of like a small onion scallion the first spring it grows. But they get bigger :) So yes, you can have your very own fleet of little spaceships! ;)
...See More
Another Allium Lifting Question
Q
Comments (1)
I'm not sure about ornamentals, but in my little part of the world, onions and garlic will go through a 2-3 week dormant spell in the hottest part of August. Most, if not all of the leaves will turn brown. This is the best time for us to transplant them. -Nick
...See More
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
18 years ago
I have the same thing: brown tips right from the start (before the foliage is full grown, not after blooming). I think they got a bit of frost right when they emerged, that's all.
0

Related Stories

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Rediscover Your Inner Child With a Garden Wonderland

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Bring the joy and curiosity of childhood to your grown-up garden, designing your plantings, materials and structures with wonder in mind

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Inside Houzz: Soft Geometry in a Modern Wisconsin Garden

By Annie Thornton

In a city known for harsh winters, homeowners enjoy outdoor living inspired by Southern California

PLANTING IDEAS These Aren’t Your Grandparents’ Junipers

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Dislike junipers? Maybe it’s time to discover new varieties and new uses for this garden workhorse

FALL GARDENING Why Fall Is the Best Time for Planting

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Spring is overrated for planting. Starting plants in autumn has advantages for both garden and gardener

INSIDE HOUZZ There’s a Party in the Backyard, Says a Houzz Landscaping Survey

By Mitchell Parker

Entertaining, growing edibles and solving problems are goals for homeowners planning to revamp their yards

FRONT YARD IDEAS Before and After: Front Lawn to Prairie Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

How they did it: Homeowners create a plan, stick to it and keep the neighbors (and wildlife) in mind

GARDENING GUIDES Learn the Secret to Bigger and Better Roses

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Grow beautiful roses using both ordinary and unusual soil amendments

RANCH HOMES My Houzz: Paint and Pluck Revamp a Portland Ranch

By Kimberley Bryan

A 1930s fixer-upper becomes a cheery and personal home at the hands of an industrious homeowner

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Go for Baroque for a Vivacious, Colorful Garden

Give your landscape a sumptuous feel with over-the-top hues, bright accessories and container arrangements as wild as can be

GARDENING GUIDES Central Plains Gardener's August Checklist

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

It couldn't get much hotter, but the garden can still shine with late summer blooms, thirsty wildlife and fresh vegetables

Sponsored

Hope Restoration & General Contracting

35 Reviews

Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

More Discussions

Plant ID? Does anyone recognize these bulbs?

8

Camass dies every year

0

Daffodils favorites - 2024

1

Removing Alstroemerians

0

LED Watt Lightbulb Help!!

5