I planted some allium bulbs in November, thinking they'd have enough time to establish themselves with the winter cold. However, not a single one has emerged—I'm not even seeing any leaves! They've been planted directly in the ground, so I don't think they dried out. What could be the reason for this?
3 Answers
It sounds like a few things could be happening. I've had alliums rot in the ground before because of heavy soil, even when it seemed well-drained. You might want to dig around and check if your bulbs are still intact or if they’ve rotted away. Sometimes bulbs can just be duds too! I'd suggest digging one up to see what's going on and then maybe leaving the rest in for next year—it could be worth the wait!
I think the issue might be with bulb rot! I planted mine in late December and they sprouted fine, so November shouldn't be too late. It might be worth checking to see if the bulbs are mushy or gone. Also, I've had varied luck with different types too; some just don’t come up some years. If that’s the case, maybe try again next year but consider adding some sharp sand in the planting holes for good drainage!
You’re not alone! I had mixed results too; some of my old bulbs sprouted while others didn’t, even under the same conditions. It’s frustrating because alliums can be pretty fickle. I’ve also heard that weather conditions can affect growth, particularly if things are really dry. Stick with it and try planting some more next season; hopefully, you’ll have better luck!