Forum home› Plants
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Planting out potted aliums

LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
in Plants
Hello all

I bought this pot of alliums from a plant fair last year and having now seen them in (almost) bloom I think they’ll fit in quite well. Is it too late to pop them in the ground? And if not, could I maybe split the pot in half to plant a couple of clumps?


I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd go for it. They might droop a bit , but they usually pick up when conditions suit.
    I think it would be best not to split the pots because they're more likely to collapse when you start separating root systems. 
    They might need a little support, but it depends where you're putting them. Other planting can often be enough  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • AstroAstro Posts: 433
    Yeah I'd say they will be fine going in the ground like any other potted plant. I've started them in pots before and split them, but this is usually early spring and you have to be a bit careful because the roots all get bound together. As they are close to flowering it's likely more of a risk to split as Fairygirl says.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Bear in mind that the leaves start to fade while the flowers are developing.  You can see that they are yellowing now but don’t think you’ve done something wrong, the flowers will give you a good show!  I’d try to put them somewhere where you can hide the failing foliage as it’s a bit untidy.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    edited May 2023
    I agree. They look just the same as my A. "Purple Sensation" - flowers just opening, leaves starting to die off. That's normal for alliums, at least that variety. In a border the other plants help to disguise the tatty foliage while the flowers are well above.
    Edit: I don't think I'd try splitting the clump. There'll be one bulb per flower I think, and the roots will be thoroughly entangled. If you want more, buy some bulbs later in the year. You can plant them in pots and then plant them out in the border in the spring if you prefer (or if you can't get into the border or see where the spaces are in the autumn).

    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    I tried splitting a clump last year they didn't recover. If you are buying avoid pots with more than one bulb per pot. I agree @JennyJ a tangled mess and a gardening disaster!
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    edited May 2023
    I put about 4 to a 6"/2 litre or so pot when I buy allium bulbs, but I plant them together which works well. They don't bulk up/ multiply fast for me (probably not damp enough) so they haven't got overcrowded. They are packed in between perennials and species tulips which flower earlier but it doesn't seem to bother any of them.

    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
    Thanks @Fairygirl, @Astro, @Plantminded, @JennyJ & @GardenerSuze

    I shall find somewhere to put them as they are. 
    I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @JennyJ Are you growing Purple Sensation four to a 2 Litre pot? Do you put them in a greenhouse over winter please.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    That's the way to go @Latimer. They'll be fine planted in a nice clump - that always looks better anyway than single ones dotted around   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    edited May 2023
    GardenerSuze said:
    @JennyJ Are you growing Purple Sensation four to a 2 Litre pot? Do you put them in a greenhouse over winter please.

    Yes, and no, they go on the shelves of an old "blowaway" mini greenhouse (no cover), tucked in the angle between the shed and the fence so fairly sheltered, along with daffs, crocuses etc. They all get planted in spring (before flowering) when I can see where the spaces are.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
Sign In or Register to comment.