With its numerous small star-shaped flowers that grow in spherical umbels up to 14 centimeters in size, the giant onion is quite an impressive sight. Once you have planted it in a well-suited location, caring for it is quite easy.
How and when do you plant giant leeks?
To successfully plant giant leeks (Allium giganteum), choose a sunny location with well-drained, rather dry soil. In autumn, plant the bulbs about 20 cm deep in the soil, create a 5 cm thick drainage and add some compost to the planting hole.
The ideal location for giant leeks
The giant onion (bot. Allium giganteum) loves the sun. He should get as much of this as possible at his location. Incidentally, the giant onion shares this preference with most other ornamental onion varieties. Only golden garlic and wild garlic, which are used as crops, tolerate planting in partial shade quite well.
The nature of the soil
Not only lots of sun, but also the right soil contribute to the lush flowering of your giant leek. It should be dry to slightly moist and well-drained. Under ideal conditions, the giant leek multiplies all by itself.
The Planting
The giant leek bulb should be planted about 20 centimeters deep in the soil (about three times as deep as the bulb is high). To do this, dig a suitable planting hole. If the soil is not permeable enough, fill the hole with some sand or gravel. A layer five centimeters thick is completely sufficient.
For a good supply of nutrients and easier growth, add a little compost to the planting hole. Insert the spring onion, fill the hole with soil and water the leek well. Ideally, you should plant your giant leek in the fall.
Combine giant leeks with other plants
The giant leek works particularly well in combination with other plants that coordinate in color. Ornamental grasses are also suitable as neighbors. Above all, choose plants that love the sun, just like the giant onion, and that have similar water needs.
The most important things in brief:
- as sunny location as possible
- well-drained, rather dry soil
- planting in autumn
- Planting depth: approx. 20 cm
- possibly create 5 cm thick drainage
- put some compost in the planting hole
Tip
The giant onion comes into its own particularly well with the right companion plants. At the same time, you can hide the relatively early yellowing leaves.
