Alliums in pots

[Jesse]

I have some Allium bulbs (various varieties) which I have been told should be planted in Autumn. I have decided to grow them in pots because my garden soil is not well draining enough for them. When I plant them, do I leave them outdoors in their pots or should I keep them in my shed during winter? If I keep them in the shed then should I be watering them during the winter?

[Jesse]

[Palustris]

Depends on which Alliums they are. Some of the tall early flowering ones actually grow their leaves over Winter and by the time they flower the leaves are dying back. So, water them when you plant them and leave outside, but in a frost free environment (the bulbs will survive cold but not being frozen) and they should be ok. My baby ones which are waiting to be grown up enough to plant out have survived for 3 years in a frame which is open to all weathers, but it does not get frost.

[Jesse]

Palustris, I have three varieties: NEAPOLITANUM, NECTAROSCORDUM (not allium but similar) and AFLATUNENSE. I don't have a cold frame so my options are a shed or a conservatory (heated during day but not overnight). You say you are waiting for yours to grow up enough for planting outside, does this mean my bulbs will not flower straight away or are you referring to plants you have grown from seed?

[Palustris]

Mine are seed grown ones. They take up to 5 years to reach flowering size from seed.
All yours are Summer flowering rather than Spring so, you could probably get away with planting much later, like March, otherwise shed is good, until you see growth then Conservatory then garden, if you see what I mean.

[Jesse]

Thanks Palustris, think I'll plant now otherwise by the time spring arrives I would have forgotten I've got them  ;D

You're very patient waiting all that time from seed!