The ornamental onion is actually not difficult to care for, at least not if it feels comfortable in its place. Plant it in a suitable location with the right conditions and it will thank you with a lush bloom.

Ornamental onions only need to be watered during longer dry periods

plant ornamental onions

Before you put the bulbs of your ornamental onions in the pre-drilled planting hole, check the bulbs for mold and fill the hole with a layer of sand about five centimeters thick. This protects the leeks from frost in winter and at the same time improves the permeability of the soil.

Ideally, plant your ornamental onions in autumn, between September and the first frost. Ornamental onions can also be grown in tubs, but they always need a bright, sunny location with well-drained soil. You can also plant wild garlic or the very similar but yellow-flowering golden leek in partial shade. They also do well in slightly moist soil.

Water and fertilize ornamental onions

Ornamental onions usually get along quite well without additional watering, but will gladly accept this during a longer dry period. This is especially true for the giant leek during the flowering period in summer. A bit of organic fertilizer or mature compost is also appreciated in the spring.

Cut ornamental onions

In autumn, when all the leaves have turned completely yellow, cut your ornamental onions just above the ground. With varieties that bloom very early, such as wild garlic, you can also cut back in summer.

Ornamental onion in winter

Ornamental onions are hardy and do not need any special care in winter. However, waterlogging should also be avoided during this time, otherwise the onion will begin to rot. Stop fertilizing immediately after flowering. It is not necessary until spring.

The essentials in brief:

  • plant in the fall
  • fill the planting hole with approx. 5 cm of sand
  • Location: full sun if possible
  • can also be grown in a bucket
  • Fertilize regularly from spring to flowering
  • Cut back just above the ground in autumn

tips

With little care, you can look forward to very decorative "balls of flowers" in your garden in early summer.

Category:

Indoor plants