The Allium bulbs Siculum are bulbs of a distinctive ornamental onion, also known as Sicilian honey garlic. At the end of a long, straight stem hangs a loose cluster of bell-shaped flowers in a warm red tint, like little bells nodding downwards. The plants grow to around 80 to 100 centimetres tall. Bees and butterflies love them, and the stems also last a long time in a vase.

With bulb size 8/10 these are medium-sized bulbs in a good-value pack, so you can plant generously. Siculum looks best in groups in the border, between perennials and ornamental grasses, and happily naturalises in grass or under trees. With 30 bulbs you create two or three good-sized groups or fill a large pot; with 60 bulbs you give a longer border a continuous rhythm. With 120 or 240 bulbs you can let them naturalise in a bed, a strip of grass or under a group of trees; allow 20 to 30 bulbs per square metre. Combine them with other allium bulbs with round flower heads, which contrast beautifully with the hanging bells. You will find more greenery for outdoors among our outdoor plants.

When should you plant the Allium bulbs Siculum?

You put the Allium bulbs Siculum in the ground in autumn, between mid-October and the end of November. Once the soil has cooled to below 10 °C, the bulbs first make roots and wait until spring to sprout. In a mild winter you can still plant in December, as long as the ground is not frozen. The winter cold is needed for good flowering, so we advise against planting in spring.

When do the Allium bulbs Siculum flower?

The Allium bulbs Siculum flower in May and June. The bells open one after another, so a single flower cluster lasts about three weeks. After flowering the seed pods turn upwards, looking like little turrets and staying decorative for weeks. In a warm spring flowering starts earlier, after a cool spring later. In a spot they like, they self-seed and slowly spread.

Care and tips Allium bulbs Siculum

Plant the bulbs pointed end up at a depth of 10 to 12 centimetres, about three times their height, and keep 10 to 15 centimetres between them. Any well-drained garden soil will do; on heavy, wet ground, work some coarse sand into the top layer. For a pot, choose a deep model with a drainage hole and a layer of clay pebbles at the bottom, for example from our outdoor pots and baskets. The foliage withers around flowering time; leave it until it comes away by itself. If you want them to naturalise, do not cut off the seed pods. Feeding is usually not necessary.

Water needs of the Allium bulbs Siculum

This ornamental onion copes well with a dry spell. In the garden rainwater is almost always enough. Water bulbs in pots in spring when the top of the soil feels dry, and less after flowering. Make sure excess water can drain away, because the bulbs rot in wet soil.

Light needs of the Allium bulbs Siculum

The Allium bulbs Siculum grow best in the sun. A sunny spot gives sturdy stems and the most bells. They also manage under tall trees with light shade, as long as they get enough light in spring.

Are the Allium bulbs Siculum toxic?

The Allium bulbs Siculum are mildly toxic if ingested, also for dogs and cats. Keep the bulbs out of reach of pets and young children. The sap smells of garlic and can irritate sensitive skin, so wear gloves when planting.

How will my Allium bulbs Siculum be shipped?

Your bulbs are carefully packed and shipped. That way they arrive safely and fresh from the grower.