Swedish Flag Allium Duet

Plant these bulbs in fall for blooms the following late spring. They are forgiving, but a sunny spot with somewhere for water to drain is the key to years of repeat flowering.

Unboxing

• Open right away. Remove the bulbs from the packaging and check that they are firm and dry.
• Store cool if needed. Keep them in a dark, dry, well-ventilated spot around 50-60F until you can plant.

Planting

1. Pick full sun. Choose a site with at least six hours of direct sun for the strongest stems and best color.
2. Loosen the soil. Work the top 6-8 inches; in heavy clay, mix in compost to improve drainage, though these alliums tolerate clay well.
3. Set the depth. Plant bulbs 3-4 inches deep with the pointed end facing up.
4. Space them close. Set bulbs 2-3 inches apart and plant in clusters or drifts for the strongest blue-and-yellow effect.
5. Backfill and water. Cover, firm the soil gently, and water once to settle everything in.

Watering

• Keep it light. Water only when the soil dries out; soggy soil is the main threat to allium bulbs.
• Ease off after bloom. Reduce watering as foliage yellows so the bulbs can go dormant.

Feeding

• Feed in early spring. Apply a balanced granular bulb fertilizer as shoots emerge.
• Top-dress with compost. A thin layer of compost each fall keeps the planting productive.

After Bloom Care

• Leave the foliage. Let leaves die back naturally so the bulbs recharge for next year.
• Trim spent stems. Snip flower stalks once they fade, or leave the dried heads for texture.
• Mulch in cold zones. A couple inches of mulch adds winter insulation in zones 3-4.

Containers

• Use a draining pot. Fill with a well-draining potting mix and plant at the same depth.
• Shelter in winter. Move pots to an unheated garage or against a protected wall in the coldest zones.

When should I plant these allium bulbs?

Plant in fall, several weeks before the ground freezes. The bulbs need a cold period over winter and will bloom the following late spring to early summer.

Are Swedish Flag Alliums deer and rabbit resistant?

Yes. Alliums are in the onion family, and their scent makes them unappealing to deer, rabbits, voles, and many other garden pests. Many gardeners plant them near tulips and hostas for that reason.

Will they come back every year?

Yes, they reliably return year after year in zones 3-8 as long as you let the foliage die back naturally after flowering instead of cutting it off green.

Can I grow them in heavy clay soil?

They perform well in clay, which is unusual for bulbs. Just avoid spots where water puddles for long stretches, and loosen the soil at planting time.

How many bulbs come in a pack and how big are they?

Each pack contains 100 bulbs sized 4-5 cm, a mix of yellow Allium moly and blue Allium caeruleum.

Are alliums safe around pets?

No. Like onions and garlic, allium bulbs and foliage are toxic to dogs and cats if eaten. Plant where curious pets are not likely to dig.