Since there are around 800 different varieties of ornamental garlic, it quickly becomes clear that not all of them love the same locations or can be planted in the same way. However, most varieties have certain similarities.
How do I plant alliums (or alliums) correctly?
For planting alliums, or ornamental garlic, choose a sunny location (except wild garlic and golden garlic) with loose, well-drained and rather dry soil. Plant the bulbs at a depth equal to three times the bulb height. The ideal planting time is in autumn.
The right location for ornamental onions
Almost all types of ornamental onions prefer a very sunny location. The wild garlic, which blooms very early in the year, likes a little shade. In nature you can often find it in sparse forests. It can be recognized by its smell, which is reminiscent of garlic. The situation is similar with golden garlic; it also grows well in partial shade.
If your ornamental onion feels comfortable in its location, this will have a positive effect on its ability to bloom. This also makes care easier. If the soil is too dry, you need to water more often. When waterlogged, the onions start to rot easily.
What should the soil be like?
In general, ornamental garlic prefers loose, well-drained, but rather dry soil. Here too, wild garlic and golden garlic are an exception; they like it slightly moist. However, all varieties of ornamental garlic do not tolerate waterlogging well. If the soil is too firm, loosen it up a little with some gravel (€479.00 on Amazon) or sand in the planting hole.
How deep do I have to plant ornamental garlic?
How deep you plant your ornamental onion depends on the size of the respective bulb. The bulbs should always be planted three times as deep in the soil as they are high. But you don't have to measure this to the centimeter, a good eye is enough. Accordingly, giant garlic is planted about 20 centimeters deep, but wild garlic is only placed slightly below the surface.
When is the ideal time to plant ornamental onions?
As a rule, ornamental garlic is planted in autumn so that it has enough time to grow well before winter. The sooner you put it in the ground, the sooner it will start sprouting next year. If late frosts are often expected in spring where you live, then planting a little later is recommended.
Can I combine ornamental garlic with other plants?
Ornamental onion is ideal for combining with other plants. A small leek fits very well in a rock garden, medium to large varieties provide interesting contrasts in perennial beds. When combining, pay attention to similar location and care conditions for the companion plants.
The most important things in brief:
- Sunny location, exception: wild garlic and golden garlic
- loose, permeable soil
- rather dry, but slightly moist possible
- Planting depth: three times the bulb height
- ideal combination partner for rock gardens and perennial beds
Tip
Place your ornamental onion in combination with other plants and create interesting contrasts in your garden.
