Alliums just bought

I bought 6 wooden boxes of 25 alliums each, clearance for $3, at Target a couple of weeks ago. They are purple sensation. They are not showing signs of sprouting. If I plant them now, their seasons are all mixed up. What should I do? Plant them as indoor bulbs and then replant in spring outside? Or put them outside now and hope they bloom this summer?

Every allium I've ever planted just never came up. We are in a 16+ inch record breaking drought here in GA and our clay was like cement this summer...not exagerating!
I appreciate any help.

This message was edited Nov 28, 2007 6:29 PM

Oh, wow! You really scored! What a deal!

So about the alliums-- it sounds like you need to prepare the soil a bit--maybe add some sand and organic material to loosen up the clay... the alliums need a well draining site and can't get waterlogged during the wintertime or the summer, either, for that matter. Many gardeners will raise up the bed a bit to assure good drainage and good soil mix. Lots of sun, too.

I plant my alliums in the fall (I will plant next week) into prepared soil. I suppose you can plant them in large containers, too, if you have good luck with growing bulbs in containers generally. Other DGers may have additional recommendations for your zone, too.

Good luck with your great purchase! I'm going out to target and see what's in the sale bins there!

Thanks for the info. ! I'll plant them Sat.

Enjoy whats left of fall!

Ha, Ha! You've inspired me! I went out to the garden center hunting for alliums on sale! Didn't score quite as well as you did, but I did find 16 nice Allium sensations for $7. per bag. So I bought 3 bags.

Also bought some alliums from B & B's half off sale...so I'll be busy next week, too!

The Targets around here don't carry live plants or bulbs, at least they never have when I've been there. Not fair.
Sorry if this has been discussed elsewhere, but on the subject of alliums: I planted a lot of drumstick alliums in mid-October, which sprouted during our freakishly warm fall. What will happen to them in the spring? Will their clocks get re-set during winter? Also planted Purple Sensations, and they don't seem to have sprouted at all. Thanks very much!

Alliums and other spring bulbs are fine to plant now outside in the south. We can get away with planting well into December. I agree about prepping your soil, but actually, now is the perfect time to plant in southern zones 7/8! I usually wait on tulips to mid or late December and still have some lilies to get into the ground.

One thing to note, 3gardeners - I have had alliums come up but not return well for me. I don't think they're the best perennial choice for climates like ours. I attributed my issues to the soil being too moist and the bulbs rotting. Maybe they need a longer cold period than what we can provide as well.

SFW, You could be right. Like I said, None of mine ever come up after planting them. This is my last attempt. They were such a GREAT price, I had to try again. I'm amending the soil and planting today! I may never see them again, but it's worth one more try.

Wicker: I've always wondered about bulbs reseting their clock as well. Hope someone helps out.

3gardeners--If you have that famous Georgia clay in your garden, you will probably have a hard time with the alliums, especially if you don't raise up the bed with sandy loam to keep it drained during the winter. Container planting may be an answer for that though too.

I suppose allium would have about the same habitat as lilies or onions so if you can grow those, alliums might be worth a try....And if your bargain bulbs do come up next spring you will have a fabulous display!