Amazing Allium
If you’ve ever spotted a perfectly round purple globe bobbing above a garden bed or tucked into a spring bouquet, chances are you’ve met allium—and maybe, like me, you were instantly smitten.
Alliums are part of the onion family (yes, really), but don’t hold that against them. These ornamental varieties are anything but ordinary. As a farmer-florist, I grow dozens of flower types every season, but alliums hold a special place in both the field and in bouquets. They’re sculptural, long-lasting, pollinator-friendly, and add something truly unexpected to any arrangement.
Here’s why I grow them every year—and why you might want to, too.
Growing Alliums: Patience is Key
Alliums are fall-planted bulbs that need a cold period to bloom. In most temperate zones (USDA zones 3–9), they go into the ground in October or November, ideally after the first frost but before the ground freezes solid. Think of them as a gift you plant in the quiet season and forget about until spring.
How to plant them:
Soil: Well-drained, light soil is essential. Alliums hate wet feet, especially in winter. Raised beds or sandy loam work well.
Spacing: I plant bulbs 4–6 inches apart and 3–4 inches deep, depending on the variety.
Sunlight: Full sun is best—they love soaking up those spring rays.
Watering: Minimal. They really don’t need much once planted. I let rainfall do most of the work.
By late spring to early summer, those stiff green stems begin to emerge, topped with tight buds that slowly unfurl into their signature globes. Watching them burst into color never gets old.
Cutting Alliums: Harvest and Vase Life Tips
As much as I love seeing alliums in the field, I grow them primarily for cutting. They’re a florist’s dream—dramatic, structured, and long-lasting.
When to harvest:
• Cut alliums when about 1/3 to 1/2 of the florets are open. Too early and they won’t develop fully; too late and you risk shattering or dropping.
• Use sharp snips and harvest in the early morning or late evening when stems are firm and hydrated.
Post-harvest care:
• Snip at base and place stems in clean, lukewarm water.
• Alliums can give off a mild onion scent when cut, but if you let them rest in water for a few hours in the cooler the smell goes away.
• Vase life is excellent—up to 10 days or more with proper care. And they dry beautifully, too.
Pro tip: Be mindful of where you place them in mixed arrangements—some florists report that alliums can release a bit of sap that shortens the vase life of more delicate flowers. I usually keep them in a separate bucket during conditioning.
Designing with Alliums: Drama, Height & Texture
In the studio, alliums are my go-to for adding height, movement, and a touch of whimsy. They work beautifully in both fresh and dried arrangements.
Why I love them in bouquets:
• Their spherical shape creates a striking contrast with soft, romantic blooms like peonies, ranunculus, or garden roses.
• The color range—from deep purple to silvery lavender, and even white or burgundy—plays well with both cool and warm palettes.
• Varieties like Allium christophii (Star of Persia) add a lacy, almost firework-like quality to designs, while Globemaster makes a bold, architectural statement.
They’re also incredibly versatile and great for use in:
• Bridal bouquets (yes, really—they bring a modern edge)
• Spring centerpieces
• Market bouquets where I want something different to catch the eye
• Dried arrangements in the off-season (they hold their shape and color beautifully)
Pollinators Love Them, Too
One of my favorite things about growing alliums is how much the bees adore them. On a warm day, you can hear the gentle buzz of pollinators working their way around each globe. It’s a small but powerful reminder that beauty and biodiversity can—and should—coexist in our flower fields.
Final Thoughts: Alliums Are Worth the Wait
• In a world where we often expect instant gratification, alliums are a practice in patience. You plant them in the fall and wait. But come spring, they show up in full glory—bold, whimsical, and unforgettable, multiplying each year.
• If you’re a home gardener, flower farmer, or designer looking to add something a little different to your lineup, give alliums a try. They’ll surprise you—in the best way possible.
• And if you’d rather just enjoy their magic without the wait, keep an eye on our bouquet offerings come late spring. There’s almost always an allium or two dancing in the mix.
Happy planting, and happy arranging!