Persian Blue Allium Information and Growing Tips
By: R. Renée Bembry
Persian Blue Alliums are easy to grow perennials from the lily family. These ornamental flowers are related to edible onions, garlic and leeks; begin as bulbs, are natives of the Northern Hemisphere, grow well in borders and rock gardens, and are peerless as cut flowers.
Allium sphere heads are composed of clusters of close-knit flowers. Hundreds of tiny star like flowers make up each sphere head. Heads are actually purplish blue in color. They grow atop stems that may stretch from two and one half to five feet tall. Blooming occurs from late springtime through summertime.
Persian Blue Alliums thrive in sun. They are very hardy but may grow better in rich sandy loam than other types of soil. Although they love sunny locations moist soil tends to keep them prospering.
Bulbs should be planted in the autumn. When plants become crowded the bulbs should be uprooted, divided and replanted. This allows for plantings to be made in different areas of the yard.
It’s a good idea to add bone meal or superphosphate to planting supply purchases. Bone meal and superphosphate aid bulbs in replenishing their nutrient supplies after the flowering season.
Planting Tips to follow after purchasing planting supplies and choosing plant location(s).
- Select planting location or locations.
- Pour planting supplement or other planting mix of choice on the ground, or if not using a supplement or mix, work dirt until it is loose.
- After mixtures are set or dirt is loose smooth out the area.
- Scoop holes approximately three times deeper than the biggest section of each bulb. All bulbs are not the same size therefore all planting holes should not be the same size.
- An alternative to digging individual holes when planting several bulbs in a single area all at once is to dig a trench and then place the bulbs in the trench.
- If bone meal or superphosphate is to be used scoop about one tablespoon into each hole before placing bulbs (next step).
- Set bulbs in scooped out holes (or trenches) with pointy sides up. Remember holes should be wide enough to allow the base of each bulb to come in mesh contact with the soil or growing supplement around it. Cover each hole with dirt or selected planting mix.
- After planting is completed soak all the holes. Plantings in rainy areas may require only one soaking if enough rains occur to keep the bulbs moist from planting time onward. Plantings in areas that receive minimal rain will require periodic watering to keep the bulbs alive right up and until the last flower has bloomed in full.
- Following Allium blooming period it’s a good idea to leave dead plant remains in place until after they yellow. This allows the remnants to replenish the bulbs with vital nutrients they will need for the following flowering season.
Remember Persian Blue Alliums make excellent cut flowers. Cuttings should be placed in water immediately in order to preserve their life span.