All About Allium Sphaerocephalon (Drumstick)
Allium Sphaerocephalon, also known as “allium drumstick”, is a beautiful flowering species. With its unusual, densely packed, egg-shaped flower heads, it creates an attractive and fascinating garden. We are happy to tell you all about this lovely flower.
Key features of Allium Sphaerocephalon:
- Loved by bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
- Comes back for years
- Excellent for cutting
- Delicious fragrant
- Deer resistant
- Easy to grow
How Does Allium Sphaerocephalon Look Like?
The special thing about allium drumsticks is their egg-shaped appearance. These unusual, tapering inflorescences on tall stems are densely packed with florets with a beautiful green colour at the beginning of the growth phase. As the allium flower matures, the green colour changes to an intense purple from the top. This creates a striking two-tone effect that will draw attention to your garden, border or pot on the patio or balcony. Is the allium in full bloom? The plant can grow up to 60 cm (23 inches) tall.
Good to know: Deer, pests, and diseases don’t bother the flowering onions, since the taste of raw onions seems to be just as unpleasant for animals as it is for most people.
How To Grow Allium Drumsticks From Bulbs
allium drumsticks are easy to grow and easy to care for. Because you plant the allium bulbs in autumn, the plants will flower from early spring to early summer. Although planting the bulbs is simple, there are a few things that are important to keep in mind to get the best results when gardening. Follow our simple step-by-step guide to planting allium drumstick bulbs.
When To Plant Allium Drumstick Bulbs?
- Plant allium drumstick bulbs in autumn, starting in October to November, before the ground freezes. The reason for this is that the bulbs need a cold period for flowering.
- Alliums love the sun. Choose a full sun or semi-shaded spot, and well-drained soil to prevent rotting.
- Dig a hole 15 cm (6 inches) deep for a giant allium bulb and 10 cm (4 inches) deep for a smaller bulb. As a rule of thumb, the hole should be at least 3 times the bulb's height.
- Place the bulb in the hole with the right side up. This is the side with the pointed head.
- Are you going to plant an allium in a container or pots? Plant the bulb as deep as possible, with the pointed ends facing upwards.
- Are you planting multiple bulbs? Leave 8 cm (3 inches) between each bulb. If you are planting in containers, you can place them a little closer together.
- Cover the bulbs with soil and water sufficiently to allow the soil to settle over the bulbs.
Do you want to know more? Read our growing guide: How to Grow Allium bulbs
How To Take Care Of Allium Drumsticks
Alliums rarely need weeding, watering and fertilising. The flowers have a preference for dry, poor soil. In other words, make sure that the soil is a little on the dry side and do not choose soil that has just been fertilised. Because the allium is a perennial flower, the flowers can stay in the same place for years. Also, many varieties of allium plant bulbs naturalise and multiply.
When Do Allium Drumsticks Bloom?
Alliums flower in late spring to early summer. Once the plant has finished flowering, it is important to give it a period of rest. You will only need to water it a little during this period. At the end of the flowering period, when the leaves are dead, you can clean up the plant and remove the old leaves. Or you can just let the natural process take its course.
Tip: Alliums are a great choice for a mixed flower bed with ornamental grasses and low-growing perennials.
More Types Of Allium Plants
Allium sphaerocephalon is a proud member of the allium plant family, which consists of more than 700 different species. Although the allium flowers are typically blue, violet and purple, alliums also come in red, yellow, and white. For example, you can choose the best-selling Allium Purple Sensation or the exceptional Allium Forelock. Or have a look at our full collection of allium bulbs for planting.
Choose Allium Sphaerocephalon Bulbs From DutchGrown
At DutchGrown, you will find a wide range of giant allium plant bulbs, including the beautiful Allium Sphaerocephalon. All our bulbs are top-sized (around 6 cm (2.3 inches)), of high quality, and come directly from Holland, making our collection unique. Order Allium Sphaerocephalon bulbs in autumn and enjoy a beautiful flower in your garden during late spring and early summer.
