The first growing season it typically produces a solid bulbs. It doesn't produce cloves till the second season. I agree with bboy it appears to have a virus. Probably best to eat it and buy fresh growing stock next year. HTH Chris

Somebody in the south ought to answer this question but I would think any of the above would do fine. They don't need chilling but perhaps a little shade would help. Give it a try and let us know how you make out.

Funny you ask...was on davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view 962/ and it appears that the larger spring bloomers are the drumsticks Allium Purple Sensation (dark purple), Allium Giganteum (lighter purple), and Allium Nigrum (white). Check out Davesgarden site for photos and answers. V.

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'.