Will large alliums grow in my zone (3)?

21 years ago

I am looking to plant some large alliums like the globe master or mt. everest but most sites state the hardiness zone as 4. I live in a 3 and was wondering on suggestions of alliums that might grow in that zone that produce similar results to the globemaster, gladiator, or mt .everest. Names or website referrals would be greatly appreciated.

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Comments (5)

Betz11
21 years ago
Hi,

I think a lot of things make a difference in where they will grow and survive. I planted Giant Allium a couple of years ago. Last year they did beautifully. This year, they were up about 5 inches and we had a freeze that turned them to black mush. Several days ago I went out and dug them up to see what had happened. Nothing but a bunch of rotted gunk there. I think if I had mulched it good, it would have been better protected and maybe survived. I had two other type that didn't come back either. The ones that did survive were the drumstick and Chrystopherii (sp. ?)

I live at an altitude of one mile high in zone 5a. I really don't know how to advise you. But I do know that I will be trying them again.

Betty
pitimpinai
21 years ago
This might work:
If you plant them in very well drained soil then pile bags and bags of leaves or straw bales high and wide on the area. Recheck them during an early thaw to see if the tip has emerged. If so, remove some of the mulch, but don't uncover them totally.

Good luck.
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ksrogers
21 years ago
If you want to try, don't use any supermarket types, as these are usually warmer climate ones with soft necks. The types you would want are hard necks, something that would survive a very cold winter. Maybe some kinds with an origin from Russia or Syberia will work for you. Starting in late summer, as opposed to fall may also help get them started earlier. A heavy winter covering of dried leaves, straw or other heavy mulch can also help them survive through winter. Just remove any coverings once your spring arrives.
Good luck!
paquebot
21 years ago
Ken, no doubt you meant to post your reply on another thread? Globemaster and Mt. Everest are well-known ornamental flowering alliums, not garlic. One definitely would not expect to find those bulbs in your local supermarket!

Ber, both Globemaster and Mt. Everest are usually listed as being hardy in Zones 4-9. With added mulching for winter protection, I suspect that they'd be worth trying in Zone 3.

Martin
ksrogers
21 years ago
Sorry, allium is way too big a family for me to realize that this was an ornamental that was being discussed...