Can You Move Alliums in Spring? A Complete Guide
Alliums are spring flowering bulbs that add gorgeous color and unique, sculptural forms to the garden. Their round flower heads in hues of purple, pink, blue, yellow and white appear on slender stalks above strappy foliage. With their eye-catching blooms, it’s no wonder alliums have gained popularity with gardeners.
If your alliums are in a spot you don’t love or you want to expand your collection in new areas, you may be wondering: can you move alliums in spring? While it’s possible, spring is not the ideal time. Transplanting allium bulbs in spring can stress them, reducing flowering the following season. For best results, it’s recommended to move allium bulbs in fall. However, with proper technique and aftercare, you can successfully relocate alliums in spring.
In this complete guide, we will cover:
- The allium growth cycle and why spring transplanting is risky
- Step-by-step instructions for moving alliums in spring
- Aftercare tips for healthy, flowering bulbs
- The best season to transplant alliums
- Answers to frequently asked questions
Understanding the Allium Growth Cycle
Before transplanting alliums, it’s helpful to understand their natural yearly cycle
Fall – Allium bulbs are planted in autumn, allowing time for roots to develop before winter dormancy Select a site with full sun and well-drained soil Plant bulbs 4-8 inches deep, depending on variety.
Winter – Allium bulbs are dormant through winter months. Foliage dies back as bulbs store energy for spring growth
Spring – As soil warms in spring, bulb growth resumes. Slender leaves emerge, followed by tall, upright flower stalks. Alliums bloom April-July depending on variety.
Summer – Flowers fade and foliage dies back as bulbs enter dormancy. The bulbs replenish reserves through summer for the next flowering season.
This cycle shows why transplanting alliums in spring after bloom or during summer dormancy can impact flowering. Actively growing bulbs don’t take well to being disturbed. However, with care, spring transplanting can be done.
How to Transplant Alliums in Spring
Follow these steps for successfully moving alliums in spring:
Wait until flowers fade. Immediately after bloom, foliage is still actively growing. It’s best to move bulbs when flowers are finished and foliage starts yellowing. This minimizes stress.
Water before digging. Thorough watering 1-2 days prior makes removal easier and reduces root damage.
Dig carefully. Use a garden fork to gently loosen soil. Lift bulbs with roots intact, handling carefully to avoid bruising.
Remove excess soil. Gently shake or hose off soil clinging to roots before replanting.
Replant at proper depth. Check bulb depth and plant at same level, with neck just below soil surface.
Water transplants well. Water thoroughly after replanting and continue regular watering for several weeks.
Avoid disturbing roots. Carefully place bulbs so root zone is not damaged. Gently firm soil around roots.
Mulch for moisture retention. Apply 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture while plants establish.
Mark transplant sites. Note variety and original location in case bulbs don’t flower well.
Caring For Transplanted Alliums
Proper aftercare maximizes transplant success:
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Provide temporary shade if transplanting during hot, dry conditions.
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Check soil moisture frequently, watering when surface is dry to 6 inches deep.
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Apply balanced fertilizer per label directions 4-6 weeks after transplanting.
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Monitor for pest and diseases and treat any issues promptly.
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Allow foliage to die back naturally after bloom rather than removing it.
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Mark transplant sites to evaluate performance for future reference.
When is the Best Time to Move Allium Bulbs?
While alliums can be moved in spring with care, the ideal time for transplanting is early fall. In autumn, after foliage fully dies back, bulbs are entering dormancy and can be lifted and replanted with minimal stress. This allows roots to develop through winter for optimal spring flowering.
Fall transplanting tips:
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Time it in early fall before ground freezes, ideally 6-8 weeks before first frost date.
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Water site well prior to digging bulbs.
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Replant at same depth bulbs were originally grown.
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Water thoroughly after replanting and provide follow-up care.
If relocating bulbs that haven’t flowered well, mark them as such in case poor performance continues. This allows you to accurately evaluate site conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you divide allium bulbs in spring?
It’s best to divide bulbs in fall. However, large, congested clumps can be divided in spring after bloom. Prune foliage to 6 inches, dig carefully, and replant divisions 15-18 inches apart.
What if transplanted alliums don’t bloom?
Stressed bulbs may need 1-2 seasons to recover before reflowering. Ensure proper planting depth, watering, light, and care. Mark sites to monitor performance. Fertilize lightly in early spring to support flowering.
Can you move allium bulbs after they flower?
Yes, alliums can be moved after flowering but should be transplanted immediately, before foliage begins dying back. This reduces stress and allows some regrowth before dormancy.
Can you transplant allium bulbs in summer?
Transplanting during summer dormancy is not recommended. It can interrupt the bulb’s preparation for next year’s bloom. Best time to move allium bulbs is early fall.
Perennial Alliums Do this NOW To Prevent them From Spreading Or Becoming Invasive
FAQ
Can you dig up and move alliums?
Can you divide allium in spring?
Can allium bulbs be replanted?
What happens if you plant allium in the spring?
Can you plant alliums in the spring?
Lift the bulbs up and take all the tiny bulbs and cloves and transplant them or give them away. You can also plant allium in the spring by purchasing them from a garden center. You can purchase allium plants. Some varieties, such as Star of Persia, often come as a plant in the spring.
How do you propagate alliums?
Alliums can be propagated through division or seeds. To propagate by division, dig up the bulbs in the fall and separate the offsets from the main bulb. Replant them immediately in a prepared bed for next year’s growth. Growing alliums from seed is a slower process, but it allows you to grow more plants from a single bulb.
Do alliums grow from bulbs?
In addition to alliums that grow from bulbs, there are also herbaceous alliums, including varieties such as Millennium and Summer Beauty. These plants have a large root ball and return to bloom again year after year. Alliums that grow from bulbs need their foliage in order to produce energy for next year’s flowers.
How do I get alliums?
This is one of the easiest ways to get alliums. They are fall-planted bulbs. Your local garden center will carry them at the same time they get other bulbs like tulips and daffodils. Another option is online or through catalogs. You can browse through the pages and pick the ones that catch your eye.
When should I plant Allium bulbs?
This allows the bulbs to establish roots before the winter frost sets in. Alliums are hardy and can survive cold winters, but planting at the right time ensures they bloom beautifully in late spring or early summer. Planting too late may lead to weak plants or delayed blooms. When planting allium bulbs, it’s essential to follow some main tips:
Can you plant alliums in containers?
Plant allium in containers and enjoy its spring bloom anywhere in your garden. Now that you understand the mechanics of allium care let’s move on to design. There are lots of ways to add alliums into your garden. They can be added as pops through your garden beds. I recommend planting small clusters of three, five, or seven bulbs.