Allium

The History of Allium

The history of alliums go way back to the Roman Empire.

The Romans used the word “allium” to refer to garlic, but it has become the family name for all onion crops, including chives and leeks. [3]

The allium family, in general, includes an enormous collection of plants like leeks, onions, elephant garlic, and shallots. With more than 200 species and thousands of cultivars, allium flowers are found all over the Northern Hemisphere including, North America, the Middle East, western China, the Pyrenees, the Alps, and the Mediterranean. [4]

Onions, a member of the allium family, are among the world’s oldest cultivated plants. They were most likely known in India, China, and the Middle East well before recorded history. Ancient Egyptians regarded these bulbs as a symbol of the universe. Used extensively by ancient Egyptians, many of their drawings and inscriptions on their monuments displayed these veggie-blooms. The popular use of alliums as ornamental plants is a more recent phenomenon, first gaining favor around the mid-19th century. [5]

These blooms are all about the drama. If you’re looking for a way to spice up your garden in a big way this season, these tips are for you.

Like most bulbs, allium needs a cold period to develop roots and prep for spring. Once you feel that first fall bite in the air, it’s time to put your gardening gloves on and get to work.

When planting your bulbs, avoid overwatering and soggy soil as this is bound to cause root rot right out of the gate—and we know no one wants that.

Pro Tip: Add organic material such as peat, bark, or manure to protect your bulbs from unexpected soggy soil. 

Alliums need a lot of light to grow, so be sure you choose a planting area that receives full sun.

Plant your alliums deep enough that they won’t be affected by temperature variations above ground.

Dig a hole three times as deep as the bulb is high, and place the bulb at the bottom with the pointy end up. If you’re planting multiple bulbs, be sure to plant them 6-8 inches apart so they are not fighting for nutrients.

Water your bulbs well immediately after planting and wait for the winter season to work its magic. Once spring hits, you can sit back and watch all of your hard work come to life!

During their blooming season, you usually don’t have to worry about watering allium unless there hasn’t been any rain in 3-5 days. Once they’ve finished blooming, don’t cut your allium’s foliage back right away. After a few weeks, the foliage will turn yellow and die back on its own. Once this has occurred, you’re safe to cut off any dead foliage.

Whether you’re growing allium in your home garden or you picked up some fresh blooms from your local florist and want to make sure they last as long as possible, we’ve got some tips for you.

Keep your cut allium in fresh, clean water. Recut your stems every couple of days with a sharp knife or razor to avoid crushing the stems.

Pro Tip: When recutting the stems, be sure to do so over the sink, as the cut ends of some species will exude a clear fluid that, when oxidized, turns to a blood-red color that will permanently stain countertops and floors.

Add a ½ tsp of bleach per quart of vase water to deter bacteria. [8]

Finally, whisper sweet nothings into your allium’s ear…that’s a joke but go for it you want.