Drumsticks Allium Bulb

Drumsticks Allium Plants (Allium Sphaerocephalon) bring eye-catching burgundy blooms atop long, strong stems. These beauties are heat and drought tolerant, and will be a treat for the pollinators! Recommended spacing for fall planted Drumstick Allium bulbs is 3 inches apart at a depth of 3 inches.

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant bulbs in the fall, 3-4 weeks before the ground freezes.
• - Dig a hole 4-6 inches deep, placing the bulbs pointy side up.
• - Space bulbs 3-4 inches apart for a natural, dense look.

Soil Preparation:

• - Prefers well-draining soil, as they dislike soggy conditions.
• - Amend heavy soil with sand or organic matter to improve drainage.
• - Alliums do best in soil with a neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Watering Specifics:

• - Water bulbs well after planting to help them establish roots.
• - During the growing season, they require minimal watering. Water only if the soil is dry.
• - Avoid overwatering as it can cause the bulbs to rot.

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) when planting.
• - Fertilize again in spring when new shoots appear to encourage healthy growth and blooming.
• - Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can promote excessive foliage instead of flowers.

Pruning and Care:

• - Deadhead spent flowers to prevent seed production and to encourage better blooms next season.
• - Allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming to nourish the bulbs for next year.
• - After the foliage has yellowed and died, you can trim it back completely.

Additional Pest Management:

• - Drumsticks Allium is generally pest-resistant, but slugs and snails may occasionally appear. Use slug repellents or traps if necessary.
• - Rodents tend to avoid Allium due to their onion-like smell.

Blooming Indicators:

• - Drumstick Allium blooms in mid to late summer.
• - The flower starts off green and matures into a deep purple color, creating a striking visual effect.
• - Each flower head is composed of many tiny star-shaped flowers forming a round, drumstick-like shape.

Light Requirements:

• - Prefers full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight).
• - Can tolerate partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
• - Can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C).
• - Mulch over winter for added protection in colder regions.

Companion Plants for Drumsticks Allium:

• - Euphorbia: Pair with Euphorbia for contrasting textures and colors.
• - Lavender: Lavender’s soft blooms complement the vertical structure of Drumsticks Allium.
• - Tulips: Plant with tulips for a longer season of color and interest in your garden.
• - Sedum: The low-growing sedum provides a nice ground cover beneath the tall, slender stems of Allium.