Alliums are the fireworks of the flower world. With their globe-shaped blooms and tall, elegant stems, they bring a bold architectural element to any garden. These ornamental onions are not only beautiful but also long-lasting, pollinator-friendly, and resistant to deer and rabbits.

Whether you're new to growing alliums or just want to brush up on the best practices, this guide shares expert-backed allium planting and care tips to help your bulbs thrive.

What Are Alliums?

Alliums are members of the onion family, which includes edible crops like garlic and chives. Ornamental alliums, however, are grown for their large, spherical blooms in shades of purple, white, pink, and blue. Depending on the variety, they bloom from late spring to early summer and often hold their form even as they dry.

Alliums are best suited to sunny spots with well-drained soil and are excellent for borders, cottage gardens, and modern garden designs alike.

When to Plant Allium Bulbs

Alliums are fall-planted bulbs, meaning they need a period of cold dormancy to bloom the following spring or early summer. The best time to plant them is in mid to late fall, once soil temperatures have cooled to around 60°F or below. In most regions, this falls between October and November.

Where to Plant Alliums

Choose a sunny, well-drained location for your allium bulbs. While they can tolerate partial shade, they bloom best in full sun. Poor drainage can cause bulbs to rot over the winter, so if your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds or amend the soil with sand or compost.

Alliums pair beautifully with perennials and other spring bulbs. Try planting them alongside Tulips or Daffodils.

How to Plant Allium Bulbs

Follow these simple planting steps for success:

1. Depth: Plant allium bulbs about 2 to 3 times as deep as the bulb is tall. For most medium to large varieties, this means 4 to 6 inches deep.
2. Spacing: Allow 6 to 8 inches between bulbs, depending on the variety.
3. Position: Place bulbs pointy side up, root side down.
4. Cover and Water: Fill in with soil, water well after planting, and let nature take over. There’s no need to water regularly over winter.

Care Tips Through the Seasons

Winter: After planting in the fall, your bulbs will remain dormant through the winter. You do not need to do anything except ensure they stay dry and protected from excessive moisture.

Spring: Shoots will begin to emerge in spring. At this stage, you can feed with a balanced bulb fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 mix, to support growth and bud development.

Summer: Once blooming is complete, allow the foliage to die back naturally. Do not cut it off early, as the leaves store energy for next year’s flowers. You can remove the spent flower heads or leave them to dry for dramatic structure in your garden.

Fall: Divide and replant bulbs every few years if clumps become overcrowded or less productive.

Top Alliums to Try in Your Garden

At Nagel Glads, we carry a curated selection of ornamental alliums perfect for adding variety and visual interest to your spring and summer display. Here are a few favorites:

• Purple Sensation Allium: A classic with deep violet blooms held high on sturdy 24-36 inch stems.
• Azureum Allium: Also known as Allium caeruleum, it features true blue blooms in early summer and grows about 18 inches tall.
• Multibulbosum Allium: A rare white variety with soft globe-shaped flowers, perfect for neutral or moon gardens.
• Allium Mixed Flower Bulbs: A colorful blend that adds height, texture, and pollinator power across the late spring season.

Why Gardeners Love Alliums

• Pollinator magnets that attract bees and butterflies.
• Low maintenance once planted.
• Excellent for fresh or dried arrangements.
• Deer and rodent resistant.
• Visually striking from a distance.

Final Planting Tip

For the most natural look, plant your alliums in informal drifts rather than straight lines. Use a hand trowel or bulb planter and group bulbs in odd numbers for a more organic feel.

Alliums are one of the most rewarding bulbs you can plant in fall for a standout display the following season. Browse the full Allium Flower Bulb Collection at Nagel Glads and order early for best selection. Your spring garden will thank you.