skip to main content

Big Allium Question

18 years ago

Hi All

You know I have a serious bulb addiction. I confess that I'm looking for enablers here

I really like Globemaster. I know he doesn't return in my area. Could I plant him shallow, let his leaves die naturally then store him over the summer?

Do I need to chill him like a tulip? The one year I got some at a big box store, I just tossed them in with the tulips to chill...and so I wouldn't misplace them. They bloomed nicely...but did not return.

I assume it's the chill they need or do they hate moisture?

Thanks all

cynthia....still lusting after the bulb pics.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

Mozart2
18 years ago
cynthianovak:

Having never grown these bulbs, the only information I can provide you which may be of some assistance is the link below.

It's an excellent source of information for a wide variety of plant material.

Best wishes in your endeavors.

Bill

Here is a link that might be useful: Allium giganteum
pitimpinai
18 years ago
Cynthia, I am not familiar with your climate, so I don't know if they need to be chilled or not. I do know that large alliums do not like moisture. They must be planted in very well drained soil and they require little watering. My Globemasters have returned and multiplied for three years now. The blossoms do get smaller in subsequent years.

I have been watching a large stand of them at a garden in Chicago for several years now. They have multiplied very well. The head gardener told me that other than rains, the alliums received no additional irrigation.

Good luck with your decision. :-)
Related Discussions
A question about big Alliums
Q
Comments (4)
So I guess I have to either move them back even more or to get rid of them... Or perhaps go ahead and cut the leaves back as they die off. I'm surprised that your other perenials don't get high enough to hide the foliage -- the foliage seems to wilt down to the ground quite quickly once they begin to die off.
...See More
Allium flower bulb questions
Q
Comments (3)
I think in most regions it is optimal to plant in fall for both ornamental allium and garlic. As with most things there is no black and white, clear cut answer. If you put them in the ground now I have a feeling the garlic would root and grow some garlic but not its full potential(fewer and smaller cloves than could of had if planted in fall). Allium are supposed to bloom much earlier than garlic are supposed to finish so I don't believe the allium will have enough time to properly root and get well-established before they are supposed to bloom in late spring/early summer this year. A potential pitfall for both is that they rot in the ground before rooting. This depends greatly on the weather conditions this spring. Viva El Nino!
...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
Allium Globemaster Question
Q
Comments (0)
Hi, I bought allium globemaster bulbs from Netherlands a couple of months ago and brought them to Pakistan.The bulbs were not chilled or forced by the grower in Netherlands.I placed them wrapped in newspaper in the refridgerator and kept for 45 days.Then I transferred them in moist coco peat and placed in the refridgerator again.After 5-6 days allium started making huge mass of roots.What do I do now ? The bulbs have been chilled for 50 days.This is about time we plant amaryllis and it'd flower in April.November and December would see minimum temperature of 0C and would provide another 400 chill hours.February and March are spring months here. Can I hope to see alliums bloom ? Should I pot them or keep refridgerated ? The temp currently outside is 28C max and 18C min.It'll keep dipping down untill 15 of January. Regards, Adnan.
...See More
little_dani
18 years ago
I suspect you are pretty far north in Texas, but I will relay this information anyway.

I have watched a garden flourish in the area east of Austin for years. It has Alliums galore, they return year after year, and they have multiplied, big time! When these things bloom, it is a site to behold!

The origional plantings were much closer to the house years ago, but now they are even out on the fence line. I know those never get water save what comes from above. And I know they are not being replanted. The house was empty for a long time, and is pretty much falling down now. I have threatened many times to stop and dig some bulbs, but I get a lecture when I speak of it.

I have given up hoping they will return in my yard. I am happy if they bloom in the current year. I figure the expense is low enough, I can replant them next year. But I think I will dig them this next year and store them. Maybe put them in a big pot and stick them in the 'tater shed.

Janie
cynthianovak
Original Author
18 years ago
Thank you All

Bill, that's a great reference sit and it is bookmarked.

pitimpinai: thank you. I can plant them in a dry area

Janie: You mean I'm not the only one who loves these enough to plant and palnt again? I just ordered 6 from Van Engelen. They have them discounted now 20% When I tried before, it was a low area in my garden, these will be high and a place where it was too dry for the Sun coleus. Then, like you, I'll dig them and overwinter. I might refrigerate them for a while Before planting too.

y'all are great
cynthia

Here is a link that might be useful: Globemaster
pitimpinai
18 years ago
Cynthia, that's VE's last year price for 'Globemaster' LOL. I am tempted too, but I have 5 in pots right now. I might put them in the ground tomorrow. It's supposed to be nice.

Happy gardening. :-)

Related Stories

MOVING Hiring a Home Inspector? Ask These 10 Questions

By Christine Tusher

How to make sure the pro who performs your home inspection is properly qualified and insured, so you can protect your big investment

REMODELING GUIDES Survive Your Home Remodel: 11 Must-Ask Questions

By Mitchell Parker

Plan ahead to keep minor hassles from turning into major headaches during an extensive renovation

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 15 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Real Estate Agent

By Laura Gaskill

Here’s what you should find out before selecting an agent to sell your home

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Questions to Ask When Planning a Kitchen Pantry

By Susan Redman

Avoid blunders and get the storage space and layout you need by asking these questions before you begin

ORGANIZING Pre-Storage Checklist: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Store

By Laura Gaskill

Wait, stop. Do you really need to keep that item you’re about to put into storage?

WORKING WITH PROS 12 Questions Your Interior Designer Should Ask You

By Mike Dietrich

The best decorators aren’t dictators — and they’re not mind readers either. To understand your tastes, they need this essential info

DOORS 5 Questions to Ask Before Installing a Barn Door

By Apartment 46 for the Home

Find out whether that barn door you love is the right solution for your space

GREEN BUILDING Considering Concrete Floors? 3 Green-Minded Questions to Ask

By Melanie Loftus

Learn what’s in your concrete and about sustainability to make a healthy choice for your home and the earth

REMODELING GUIDES Considering a Fixer-Upper? 15 Questions to Ask First

By Sarah Phipps Design

Learn about the hidden costs and treasures of older homes to avoid budget surprises and accidentally tossing valuable features

GREEN DECORATING 8 Questions to Help You See Through Green Hype

By Laura Gaskill

With the ecofriendly bandwagon picking up some dubious passengers, here's how to tell truly green products and services from the imposters

Sponsored

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!!

4