Let’s talk about the OUTSTANDING bloom of an allium!
As a flower farmer seeking to bring the best and most unique blooms to the consumer, I always make room in my garden and fields to plant these amazing spring bulbs, and my hope is that you will do the same!
When thinking about the upcoming season, remember you’re growing for the consumer and for successful sales. Consider what would be feasible for your area: Is it a farm stand, custom orders or weddings? I normally like to lean toward several possibilities: smaller size blooms for weddings (to provide exceptional, yet delicate detail) and larger size blooms for the farm stand and drying. Yes, I mentioned drying. We farmers can make good throughout the cool season by enhancing our drying skills and offering dried wreaths, arrangements and bouquets for sell. Before going further, let me give a shout-out to large blooms: They’re absolutely amazing when dried, and they keep for a lifetime when not exposed to direct sunlight.
As with any flower that’s being used in floral design, there are different harvesting stages. Each flower has a distinct personality. And, of course, your preference for size, shape and color also comes into play. With alliums, it’s best to harvest when the flower head is one-third to one-half open—that’s when it’s perfect for fresh-cut bouquets. When harvesting to dry, I like to allow the blooms to fully open. But it’s all in the flower farmer’s eyes!
The vase life of alliums is tremendously long. If you keep a daily watch on water, fresh alliums can last 10 days to three weeks. Now that, my flower friend, speaks volumes!
It’s now the season for planting alliums. Most bulbs have probably already been sold out by this point in October, but don’t let that discourage you. Take a look and see what’s still available here at K. van Bourgondien—and plan on a spring with outstanding allium blooms!
I’ll be back to join you right here in the garden, helping you prepare the soil for planting and offering tips to ensure a successful season come spring!
Happy Gardening!
-Pamela Anthony
Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden