Alliums thrive in a sheltered, sunny, open, well-drained site. They do not like cold, exposed or waterlogged conditions. Also avoid planting in freshly manured soils. A number of smaller growing species do well in cooler, moister conditions such as Allium cyathophorum var. farreri and A. moly.
Depending on height, alliums can be grown in the front or back of the border.
Bulbs should be planted in early autumn at a depth of about four times the diameter of the bulb. Plant smaller growing alliums 8-10cm (3-4in) apart, taller species need at least 20cm (8in) between the bulbs.
On poorer soils, apply a balanced fertiliser in spring such as Growmore.
Most alliums will do well in deep pots. Although any good multipupose potting media will do, a mix of equal parts of John Innes No 3, multipurpose compost and horticultural grit is sometime preferred. Mask the fading foliage by placing the pots behind other containers or just plunge them in the border. Re-pot annually in the autumn.
The often straggly leaves begin to die down at flowering and for this reason alliums are best planted so they are masked behind the foliage of other plants.
Lift, divide and replant overcrowded clumps after the foliage and flowers have died down.