Alliums are bulbous perennials, living up to four years after planting. With a long flowering season, they bloom for weeks on end, bridging the gap between spring and summer. Loved by bees, alliums bear beautiful pompom flowers in shades of purple pink and white, and look fantastic when planted in large groups. Alliums make excellent cut flowers, both in fresh and dried flower arrangements.
Spring is prime time for gardeners to divide, transplant, and move plants around their landscape. The warming soil and renewed growth make it an ideal period for such tasks But when it comes to spring blooming bulbs like alliums, many gardeners wonder – can you move allium bulbs in spring?
While it’s possible to transplant allium bulbs in spring, it’s not the optimal time Here’s a complete guide on moving alliums in spring, including tips for success and when autumn may be a better season
Understanding the Allium Growth Cycle
Before transplanting alliums. it’s helpful to understand their natural growth cycle
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Fall – Allium bulbs are planted in autumn and establish roots before winter dormancy.
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Winter – Bulbs are dormant through winter months as they store energy. Foliage dies back.
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Spring – As soil warms, bulb growth resumes. Slender leaves and then flower stalks emerge and bloom April-July.
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Summer – Flowers fade, foliage dies back as bulbs become dormant and replenish reserves for next flowering season.
This cycle shows why transplanting after flowering as bulbs prepare for dormancy can impact next year’s bloom. However, with care, spring transplanting can be successful.
Can You Transplant Allium Bulbs in Spring?
While not ideal, it is possible to move allium bulbs in spring using proper technique:
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Wait until flowers fade – Transplant immediately after bloom, before foliage starts dying back. This reduces stress.
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Water well before digging – Hydrated soil makes bulb removal easier and lessens root damage.
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Dig carefully – Use a garden fork to gently loosen soil and lift bulbs with roots intact. Handle bulbs with care.
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Remove excess soil – Gently shake off any soil clinging to roots before replanting.
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Replant at proper depth – Check bulb depth and plant at same level, with neck just below soil.
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Water thoroughly – Water transplants well after replanting and provide regular water for several weeks.
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Avoid disturbing roots – Place bulbs carefully to avoid damaging root zone. Firm soil gently around roots.
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Mulch for moisture retention – Apply 2-3 inch organic mulch layer to help retain moisture.
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Mark locations – Note original spot and variety in case bulbs underperform.
Aftercare for Transplanted Allium Bulbs
Follow these tips for healthy, flowering bulbs after spring transplanting:
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Provide temporary shade in hot, dry conditions
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Check soil moisture often, water when surface is dry down to 6 inches
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Apply balanced fertilizer per label directions in 4-6 weeks
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Monitor for pests/diseases and treat promptly
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Allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming
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Mark locations to evaluate performance
When is the Best Time to Move Allium Bulbs?
While spring transplanting is possible, the ideal time to move allium bulbs is in early autumn, when the foliage has died back after blooming but before the ground has frozen. This allows the bulbs to establish roots before winter dormancy for optimal spring flowering.
Fall transplanting tips:
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Time it 6-8 weeks before first frost
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Water site thoroughly before digging bulbs
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Replant at same depth bulbs were originally grown
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Provide thorough post-transplant watering and care
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Note poorly performing bulbs to properly evaluate results
FAQ about Moving Allium Bulbs in Spring
Can you divide allium bulbs in spring?
It’s best to divide bulbs in fall, but overgrown clumps can be divided after spring blooming. Cut foliage back to 6 inches, dig carefully, and replant 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, water, light, and care. Mark sites and fertilize lightly in early spring to support flowering.
Can you move bulbs after flowering?
Yes, but transplant immediately before foliage starts dying back to reduce stress and allow some regrowth before dormancy.
Can you transplant bulbs in summer?
Summer dormancy transplanting is not recommended as it can disrupt preparation for the next blooming season. Fall is the best time.
The Takeaway on Transplanting Alliums in Spring
While it’s possible to move allium bulbs in spring, the ideal time is early autumn when the bulbs are dormant. This allows them to establish roots before winter for minimal transplant stress and optimal spring flowering. Use proper care when transplanting in spring and be prepared if bulbs underperform while recovering. For best results, plan to move allium bulbs in the fall season instead.
When to plant allium bulbs
The best time to plant allium bulbs in the UK is in autumn, typically from September to November. If you dont plant your allium bulbs by the end of November dont worry – you should be able to plant them up to the end of December without any problems, just make sure the bulbs are still firm and show no signs of mould or disease before planting (discard any that do). You may find that a late planting means your alliums will flower later than usual in their first year, but will catch up the second year.
How to plant allium bulbs
Plant allium bulbs at least four times the depth of the size of bulb (at least 15cm deep). Its better to plant them too deeply than too shallow. Its best to not plant more than one allium bulb in the same planting hole, but if you want a more naturalistic display you can plant smaller growing alliums 7-10cm apart, and taller species around 20cm apart.
If the soil is moist theres no need to water them in. In spring, when growth starts to appear, apply a balanced fertiliser to poor soils.
Watch our No Fuss video guide with Rosie Yeomans, to learn how to layer allium bulbs with others in a pot: