Managing Allium Plant Flowering: Guidance on Growing Onions and Preventing Blooming
Invasive allium plants, such as wild garlic, wild allium, and three-cornered leek, can pose a significant challenge for gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike. According to Oregon State University, controlling these invasive species may take a minimum of three to four years, and in some cases, even more.
One common approach to managing these plants is the use of herbicides. However, these substances should be applied before the plants reach 8 inches (20 cm.) tall and immediately after mowing. It's important to note that herbicides are generally ineffective against invasive allium plants due to their tall, slender, waxy leaves and poor absorption of the substance.
Pulling the plants may not be the final solution to the problem. While it can help, it can be difficult to get all the bulbs, especially in hard and compacted soil. Tiny bulbs often break off when pulling clumps, making it very difficult to get them all.
Mowing invasive allium plants does not get rid of the underground bulbs but prevents blooms from developing seeds. This means that while the plants may not spread as quickly, they will still persist in the soil for up to six years, with dormant bulbs remaining viable during this time.
Stray bulbs should be prevented from escaping by placing the entire clump, soil, and all into a box or bag. Putting the clump in a compost heap is not recommended, as this could potentially lead to the spread of the invasive plants.
Digging around the clump of invasive ornamental alliums and repeating every two weeks during the season is recommended to remove tiny bulbs. Digging should be done deeply and widely to ensure all bulbs are removed. Discarding the clump, soil, and all is necessary to prevent regrowth.
Regular watering and fertilizing of the lawn can help a healthy stand of grass choke out invasive allium plants. This is because a strong and vibrant lawn can outcompete the invasive plants for resources such as water and nutrients.
It's important to remember that invasive allium plants can quickly choke out gentler plants in a garden. This can have a significant impact on the overall health and diversity of the ecosystem.
Allium is a diverse genus, including over 500 species, from onions and garlic to flowering plants. While most allium species are not invasive, some wild or cultivated forms can spread aggressively through bulbs or seeds, hindering the growth of other plants in gardens. Specific invasive Allium species are not clearly listed, but some examples may include wild garlic, wild allium, and three-cornered leek.
In conclusion, controlling invasive allium plants can be a long process, possibly taking several years. A combination of strategies, such as mowing, herbicide application, pulling, digging, and maintaining a healthy lawn, can help manage these invasive species effectively. It's essential to be patient and persistent in the fight against invasive allium plants to protect the health and diversity of gardens and ecosystems.
