The ornamental onion is rightly named, it is an ornament in the summer garden. This is particularly true for the rather impressive giant leek (bot. Allium giganteum). With the right care, you will enjoy the spherical flowers.
How to plant Allium giganteum correctly?
To properly plant Allium giganteum, the giant onion, you should choose a sunny location, keep the soil well-drained and plan a planting time in autumn (September until the beginning of frost). The planting depth is 20 cm and the planting distance is 30 cm, although a 5 cm high drainage layer of sand and some compost is required in the planting hole.
The ideal location and the right soil
Allium giganteum, the giant onion, needs a sunny location to bloom beautifully. The soil is preferably dry to slightly moist and moderately nutrient-rich. If it is not permeable, create a drainage system made of gravel or sand. If it feels comfortable, the giant leek will spread all by itself in your garden.
The perfect planting hole
Ornamental onions should ideally be planted three times as deep as the bulb is tall. For giant leeks, this corresponds to a planting depth of around 20 centimeters. The distance between the individual plants should be approx. 30 centimeters. However, dig the planting hole a few centimeters deeper.
A layer of sand or gravel about five centimeters high (€14.00 on Amazon) ensures the necessary permeability of the soil. Also, add some compost before putting in the bulb. This means your giant leek has enough nutrients for growth and the first flowering.
The ideal planting time for the giant leek
Autumn from September to the first frost is considered a suitable planting time. The earlier you plant your giant leek, the sooner it will sprout in the spring. If planted early, your leek will still have enough time to grow well and form strong roots until winter.
Can giant leeks be combined with other plants?
Giant leek can be combined excellently with a wide variety of plants. It fits well in a romantic country house garden, with roses and ornamental grasses. Low ground cover plants hide the yellowing leaves of the leek in summer. Herbs such as lavender or oregano are also good neighbors for giant leeks.
The most important things in brief:
- Location: ideally very sunny
- Soil: well-drained, without waterlogging
- Planting time: autumn, September until the beginning of frost
- Planting distance: 30 cm
- Planting depth: 20 cm
- Drainage: approx. 5 cm of sand in the planting hole
- Fertilizer: Compost
Tip
Giant leek can be combined well with other plants. This is an excellent way to hide the yellowing leaves in summer.
