My Garden
| Category | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennial plant | |
| Estimated Plant Lifespan | 5 years lifespan | |
| Sun Requirements | 6+ hours direct sunlight (Full Sun) | |
| Pollination | Method: animal Notes: Attracts bees and other pollinators. | |
| Watering Requirements | Method: top water Frequency: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Notes: Avoid overwatering, especially during dormancy. | |
| Humidity Requirements | Level: moderate | |
| Cleaning Requirements | Deadhead spent flowers to encourage bulb development. Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering. | |
| Temperature Range | Min: -15°C Max: 30°C | |
| Alternative Names | Allium odorum, Broad-leaved leek, Allium multibulbosum auct |
Lily of the Valley can spread aggressively and compete with Allium nigrum for resources such as nutrients and water.
The larvae of the onion fly can burrow into the bulbs of Allium nigrum, causing damage and potentially killing the plant. Symptoms include wilting foliage and stunted growth.
Slugs and snails may feed on the foliage of Allium nigrum, especially young plants. This can result in unsightly damage and weaken the plant.
Steps:
- For seed propagation, sow seeds in autumn or spring in a cold frame.
- Keep the soil moist and provide adequate light.
- Transplant seedlings to their permanent location once they are large enough to handle.
- For bulb offsets, carefully separate the small bulbs that form around the main bulb when the plant is dormant in late summer or early autumn.
- Replant these offsets in well-draining soil at the same depth as the original bulb.
Neem Oil
Can be used to control pests like onion flies and aphids.
Diatomaceous Earth
Effective against slugs and snails by creating a barrier they don't want to cross.
Bone Meal
Can be added to the soil at planting time to promote bulb development.