With its numerous small star-shaped flowers, which grow in spherical umbels up to 14 centimeters in size, the giant onion is quite an imposing sight. Once you have planted it in a suitable location, caring for it is quite easy.

The giant leek thrives best in the sun

The ideal location for giant leeks

The giant leek (bot. Allium giganteum) loves the sun. He should get as much of that as possible at his location. Incidentally, the giant leek shares this preference with most other ornamental leek varieties. Only the golden leek and the wild garlic used as a useful plant tolerate planting in partial shade quite well.

The texture of the ground

Not only a lot of sun, but also the right soil contribute to a lush flowering of your giant leek. It should be rather dry to slightly moist and well-drained. Under ideal conditions, the giant leek multiplies all by itself.

The planting

The bulb of the giant leek should be planted about 20 centimeters deep (about three times as deep as the bulb is high). Dig a suitable planting hole for this. If the soil is not permeable enough, fill the hole with some sand or gravel. A layer five centimeters thick is sufficient.

A little compost, which you also put in the planting hole, is used for a good supply of nutrients and easier growth. Insert the leek, fill the hole with soil and water the leek well. Ideally, you plant your giant leeks in autumn.

Combine giant leeks with other plants

The giant leek works particularly well in combination with other plants that are colour-coordinated. Ornamental grasses are also suitable as neighbors. Above all, choose plants that love the sun, just like the giant leek, and that have a similar water requirement.

The essentials in brief:

  • preferably sunny location
  • well-drained, rather dry soil
  • plant in the fall
  • Planting depth: approx. 20 cm
  • possibly create a 5 cm thick drainage
  • put some compost in the planting hole

tips

With the right companion plants, the giant leek comes into its own. At the same time, you conceal the relatively early yellowing leaves.

Category:

Indoor plants