True Blue Allium Bulb

True Blue Allium Bulbs (Azureum Caeruleum) bring lovely, periwinkle blue pops of color on long, strong stems. The gorgeous 1-inch flower clusters are loaded with small star-shaped flowers that pollinators love! Grow this one for the flowers as the foliage will wither away while the plant is blooming. Recommended spacing for fall planted True Blue Allium bulbs is 3 inches apart at a depth of 3 inches.

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant True Blue Allium bulbs in early to mid-fall, about 4-6 weeks before the first hard frost.
• - Choose a location with full sunlight and well-drained soil to ensure the bulbs don’t rot.
• - Dig holes that are 4-6 inches deep and space bulbs about 4-6 inches apart.
• - Place the bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing up and cover with soil.
• - Water thoroughly after planting to help the bulbs settle into the soil.

Soil Preparation:

• - True Blue Allium prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
• - Ensure the planting site has good drainage, as these bulbs do not tolerate soggy conditions.
• - If your soil is heavy clay, consider adding compost or grit to improve drainage.

Watering Specifics:

• - After planting, water thoroughly, but once winter sets in, they don’t require additional water.
• - During spring, when the plant is actively growing, keep the soil moderately moist but avoid overwatering.
• - Allow the soil to dry out between waterings once blooming is complete and the plant starts to go dormant.

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a balanced fertilizer or bone meal at the time of planting to promote healthy root growth.
• - Fertilize again in early spring when the plant emerges from the ground to support flowering.
• - Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with nitrogen, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning and Care:

• - Once flowering is over, you can remove the spent blooms to maintain a neat appearance, though leaving them can add interest to the garden.
• - Allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally, as this will help the plant store energy for the following year’s bloom.
• - Once the foliage has completely withered, it can be removed.
• - True Blue Allium is a perennial and will come back year after year with minimal care.

Pest Management:

• - Alliums are typically pest- and disease-resistant. They are rarely bothered by deer, rabbits, or rodents.
• - Watch for potential issues with wet soil, which can lead to bulb rot.
• - Occasionally, aphids might infest the plant. If this occurs, a gentle spray of water or an insecticidal soap can be used to control them.

Blooming Indicators:

• - True Blue Allium blooms in late spring to early summer, producing striking round clusters of blue flowers on tall, sturdy stems.
• - These flower heads can last for several weeks and are excellent for cutting or drying for indoor arrangements.
• - The plant reaches a height of about 2-3 feet, making it an attractive backdrop for lower-growing perennials.

Light Requirements:

• - True Blue Allium thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom well.
• - It can tolerate partial shade but may not bloom as vigorously in low light conditions.

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, True Blue Allium can tolerate cold winters and hot summers, making it a versatile choice for many regions.
• - In areas with mild winters, the bulbs still require a chilling period, so pre-chilling may be necessary in warmer zones (9-10).

Companion Plants for True Blue Allium:

• - Pink Impression Tulip: The soft pink hues complement the bold blue of the Allium.
• - Red Emperor Tulip: A dramatic contrast to the blue Allium with its vivid red petals.
• - Mount Everest Allium: This white allium pairs beautifully with the blue tones of True Blue for a classic color scheme.
• - Ice Follies Daffodil: Adds early spring interest before the Allium starts to bloom.