I wouldn't worry about it; lots of bulbs sprout in the fall when there's a warm spell. Sometimes, the leaf tips get burned when they freeze, but the flower buds are usually still deep in the bulbs at this point.

a sharp stream of water will dislodge them and often that's enough if you repeat it every couple days until you stop seeing them. Insecticidal soaps are another option, but it must be sprayed directly on the aphids to kill them. It is non toxic to you or pets, but should not be sprayed on any insect you don't want dead or injured. Neem oil is another option and offers a week or two of residual control. It is non toxic to you or pets and generally won't kill anything that doesn't eat the plant material (but the plant material is safe for anything that isn't an insect).

Hi Pizzuti, Sorry that no one has been able to answer your questions. In the future, try posting about the ornamental alliums on the Perennials Forum or the Bulbs Forum since the Allium Forum seems to focus more on the edible alliums (onions, shallots, leeks, garlic, etc.). I also planted Allium caeruleum this fall. They were tiny-to-small sized bulbs, but I think it is just natural for this species to have small bulbs. The plants grow from 12-24 inches tall and have bloom umbels roughly the size of a quarter, so I think the size of the bulbs was appropriate. This species does not have the garden presence of 'Purple Sensation' and needs to be planted in relatively large groups for it to make an impact. They like full sun, well drained soil and a spot that remains relatively dry in the summer. Those conditions I just described would be ideal, but I am sure that this species is just forgiving and easy going as other allium types. When happy, the bulbs should multiply and the plant should reseed. Good luck with your new alliums and let us know how they do for you! :-)

I grew 'purple sensation' and 'schubertii' this past year for the first time. I also had 'ivory queen', 'caeruleum' and 'hair'. I loved them all, although I expected 'hair' to be groovier than it actually was. But still, it was kind of funky. Anyhow, they were a big success and I will be planting more this fall. They were incredibly easy and so architectural in their appearance -- I got more comments on them than anything in the garden. Even as the flower is declining and going to seed it is quite striking because of the graphic roundness. Also, the foliage is not as problematic as daffodil or tulip foliage. It dies back quickly and can easily be covered by other emerging plants. Very good then. I say, buy your little allium heart out. I plan to plant many more myself and am most anxious to try the bigger ones, like 'globemaster'.