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Allium giganteum(AL - ee - um jy - GAN - football tee - um ) is a most unusual plant , from its iconic size and umbels to the fact that this plant is such a big mystery .
One of a very few Asiatic works to come from the southwestern portion of the continent ( most hail from the southeast and Indian Subcontinent ) , this repeated phallus of theAmaryllidaceaefamily is every morsel as good as it is beautiful .
Better known asgiant allium or giant cosmetic onion , this is one of the marvellous genus Allium to be cultivated worldwide and is the parent of the famous cultivarAllium‘Globemaster . ’
But for its stunner and exoticness , this is a very easy plant to develop in garden and pots , making its obscureness outside Allium enthusiasts even more rum .
Allium Giganteum Care
Size And Growth
Reaching an impressive acme of 5′ invertebrate foot tall . Allium Giganteum is a relatively fast - mature plant that might require a funding post , specially if your garden is do it to get high winds .
The bed covering is a far more modest 18″ in , which make it easier to desegregate into your garden when companion planting .
Even before blossom , the basal , shiny grey - unripened , strap - shaped folio provide a modest yet interesting primer coat cover .
Flowering And Fragrance
Of course , the leaves ofAllium Giganteumaren’t the rightful appeal of this plant , which comes into full effect from late spring through midsummer .
At this clip , large umbels up to 10″ column inch across replace the shorter - live on foliage , burst into a display of reddish blue to empurpled adept - shaped efflorescence come in the hundreds .
But the rounded flower straits are n’t the conclusion of the show .
These will dry out long before they lose color , and the lead seed from pollinate blooms are still attractive and often attract wildlife .
Light And Temperature
Alliums grow best and love the Sunday , although they can be a lilliputian sensitive in rough clime .
For the good impression , ensure they get 6 to 8 hour of full sunlight day by day .
This can be at midday in cooler climates but is better provide in the morning or eventide with some light midday shade in subtropical or desiccate environments .
Giant onions can tolerate partial tone , but the size of the umbel and overall tallness will put up .
Something else to commend is that high humidity can increase the risk of alliums contracting fungal infections .
These plants do well in normal household humidity levels and brook low humidity during drouth .
As a oecumenical rule , giant onions grow best in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9 , although some have reported success in zone 3 when the electric-light bulb is by rights insulated or winter indoors .
zone strong than 9 may be too harsh in the summertime , although potted specimens should do amercement .
Be untrusting of frequent temperature fluctuations in saltation , as this can weaken the flower stem , and you should protect the industrial plant from gamey winds .
Watering And Feeding
Most alliums – including the giant Allium cepa – do proficient when water using the soak and dry method .
The size of it of this industrial plant means it needs to be watered a little more often , so give it a deglutition when the soil feel ironical 1″ inch down .
Note that this plant becomes drouth kind once established .
As with many genus Allium blossom , the giant onion plant does n’t necessitate prey , although a minute of compost in early bounce can give it a minuscule encouragement .
Soil And Transplanting
you could implant the elephantine onion in almost any soil or potting admixture .
Loamy soil is best , but it will also fly high in poor soil .
Any soil pH from 5.5 to 6.5 is complete , but it can tolerate more neutral degree .
The only exception is that the industrial plant need well - drained soil , so you may want to amend clay land with perlite or coarse sand and some constituent textile .
As mentioned , growingAllium giganteumin container is possible , and an 8″ to 10″ column inch rich toilet is usually sufficient .
When choosing a container for your allium , you must think of that the medulla oblongata need to be planted in your container soil at the same depth as they would in your garden .
Of course , this will transfer by change , but prefer an 8″ to 10″-inch deep batch should ensure that you wo n’t have any issues .
You will need to check that there are at least 2″ inch of soil beneath the pot for the tooth root to grow .
insure the container has dependable drain and at least 2″ column inch of soil beneath the bulb to facilitate ascendent growth .
Divide in the spill if it begins to outgrow its container .
Grooming And Maintenance
You do n’t need to prune Allium giganteum unless you require to remove a diseased leafage .
or else , allow the leaves to die back course is commonly best to maximize photosynthesis .
cut the plant back to land tier at the end of autumn in colder climates will aid this works overwinter , especially younger plant .
However , there ’s one of import choice you ’ll have to make when this allium flowers .
As it take years for the giant onion to full suppurate , you will call for to decide if you require the plant life to put all of its energy into the seeds or the bulb .
If you choose to deadhead , the allium will put more vigor into beef up its medulla , which makes division easier and also permit the plant to domesticate .
Conversely , if you let those purple flowers go to seed , they will attract Bronx cheer , offer visual appeal throughout late summer until near wintertime , and your allium will ego - seminal fluid .
How To Propagate Giant Onion?
The most pop method acting of propagate gargantuan onions is through division .
However , you may also develop it from seed once the parent has matured , and it will self - ejaculate if the heyday head are leave alone .
Giant Ornamental Onion Pests Or Diseases
As with all alliums , the jumbo onion move over off a slim oniony scent that repels a full mountain chain of pestilence , including deer and rabbits .
They ’re also drouth - liberal once prove .
Despite these benefits , the plant can still be infested with Allium cepa fly or thrips .
Rot and fungous infection are the only material disease risk , and these only occur if the plant is overwatered .
All genus Allium are toxic to cats and dogs , and the giant onion has a lot of sulfates which can induce digestive issues in people when consumed .
These symptom admit balmy symptom such as diarrhea , nausea , and vomit .
However , the bulbs and leaves are used for cooking in some cultures , and right preparation may make these parts more eatable .
Allium Giganteum Uses
Due to the long - survive umbels , Allium Giganteum is a perfect plant for flower agreement or as hymeneals flower .
They front best when grouped and are an excellent background signal for borders but also look great when potted .
Most significantly , this plant draw bee , butterflies , and beneficial insects while repelling plague , realise it a perfect familiar plant for most garden setting .
