How to Grow Alliums From Bulbs: Flower Growing Guide

Written by: Luke Marion

Published on August 13, 2026

Updated on August 13, 2026

Allium flowers steal the show with striking, purple flower heads. Their tall, sturdy stems rise above the foliage and finish with perfectly spherical clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers, creating a whimsical “lollipop” effect in the garden.

What makes alliums especially appealing to growers is that they are not just beautiful but resilient. They are generally easy to grow, drought-tolerant once established, and wonderfully resistant to deer and rabbits!

Plant them in groups for a dramatic display or intercrop them around vegetables to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. It's time to learn how to grow allium bulbs in your garden!

All About Alliums

The Allium family includes more than just these ornamental beauties. It also includes edible members of the onion family like garlic, onions, leeks, chives, scallions, and shallots. Alliums are a gardener’s best friend because they are generally easy to grow and have virtually no pests that target them!

Ready to grow more alliums? Use these free growing guides to help you get started:

Why I Love Growing Alliums

Image courtesy of Iowa State University Extension.

Alliums are hardy fall-planted bulbs that will start growing early the next spring. They require little maintenance and are drought-tolerant, making them a great choice for beginner or advanced gardeners.

Ornamental allium flowers look like larger versions of their cousins, chive blossoms, and their foliage has that familiar onion-like scent that helps repel pests such as aphids and other unwanted insects. They are also highly deer-resistant and rabbit-resistant, meaning you can safely plant them around vulnerable flowers like tulips and lilies to help protect them.

These globe-shaped flower heads are packed with nectar, making them an abundant food source for beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding both beauty and ecological benefits to the garden. They make a great addition to any pollinator garden.

When to Plant Allium Bulbs

Allium bulbs should be planted in the fall when the soil temperature is below 60°F. They will bloom the following year from late spring to early summer, and each year after because they are perennial.

If you live in a cold climate area that receives freezing temperatures, plant fall flower bulbs 30 days before your first frost. If you live in a warm climate that does not receive frost or freezing temperatures for longer than 4 weeks, place your bulbs in the fridge for 3-4 weeks before planting directly into the garden.

Did you know that they are other flowers that can be planted at the same time as alliums? Learn how to grow tulips, how to grow hyacinth, how to grow daffodils, and how to grow saffron to plant out your best flower garden to date!

How to Grow Alliums From Bulbs

Hardiness Zones: 3-8
Bloomtime: Late Spring (May)
Mature Height: 24-32"
Light Requirement: Full Sun

Use these step-by-step instructions to plant out your allium bulbs:

Choose Location - Alliums thrive in full sun to partial shade. They provide a dramatic, long-lasting display in any landscape or garden.
Soil - Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches, removing any weeds, rocks, or debris. Well-drained soil is essential! If your soil is compacted or clay, you must amend it with plenty of compost to improve soil drainage before planting.
pH - These bulbs prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0). Test your soil pH and amend if needed.
Fertilize - Mix in a balanced, slow-release bulb fertilizer (not a regular all-purpose fertilizer) or bone meal into the soil to provide the specific nutrients these flowers need. I recommend adding 1 Tablespoon of Bulb+ Fertilizer per hole when planting to help with root development.
Bulb Orientation - Plant the bulbs with the pointed end facing up! The flat end, which is where the roots will emerge, should be at the bottom.
Planting Depth - Plant bulbs 4-6 inches deep.
Plant Spacing - Space the bulbs about 6 inches apart in their respective holes, cover them with soil, and gently tamp down.
Watering - Water the bulbs once after planting, and then start watering moderately again in the spring in the absence of rain.
Mulch - Mulching is optional. You can add a 1-2 inch layer of mulch or fresh compost over the planting area to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. In colder climates, the mulch will also serve as insulation to protect the bulbs from extreme cold.

Propagating Alliums

Each spring, when the new shoots emerge, apply a light, balanced fertilizer like Trifecta+ or VegaGrow to encourage overall growth and blooms! Every few years, you may need to dig up and divide the bulbs to prevent overcrowding and maintain healthy blooms.

Do alliums flower more than once a year?

No, but they will grow back and flower every year.

What do you do with alliums once they have flowered?

Let the flowers and leaves die back naturally. This allows the bulbs to store energy for next year's blooms. If you want, you can cut them back once the plant is completely yellow and dry.