How to remove allium moly bulbs, newly planted

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by a1154, Jun 22, 2025.

  1. a1154

    a1154 Gardener

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    Hi, I bought some allium graceful beauty and some allium drumsticks late last year, for a white/pink/purple border and either one or both have come up as allium moly. I want to remove them as they aren’t the right colour, but also I had these at my last garden and grew to detest them.
    They are currently in flower, so I think now the best time to dig them up? I’m thinking then they won’t be able to spread by seed, but the bulbs may have already divided and it might be hard to get it all out? If I take a section of soil rather than yank them out, that would work, yes?
    I have emailed the supplier, but I’m not expecting much.
     
  2. Butterfly6

    Butterfly6 Total Gardener

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    Yes, whip them out now, If they were only planted late last year, I doubt they have done much division wise.
     
  3. a1154

    a1154 Gardener

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    That sounds promising then. I’ll stick some in pots in case any friends want them.
    I think I ordered 100 graceful beauty.
    These companies are annoying. They might offer me a refund, but im not bothered for the money, it’s the effort of planting and then having to dig them up. Grrr.
     
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    • NigelJ

      NigelJ Total Gardener

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      @a1154 consider yourself lucky that your Allium sphaerocephalon (Drumstick allium) didn't come up as you would never be rid of it I bought some 20 plus years ago and am still weeding it out two or three heads appear each year.
      Anything that is fairly cheap, widely available or makes up special offers is likely to be something that is easily propagated and bulks up quickly and therefore something that can become a problem.
       
    • fairygirl

      fairygirl Total Gardener

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      I agree - they'll be very easy to dig out now. :smile:
      I have to say that the sphaerocephalon is very easy here. I think many get dug out by squirrels, or just rot, but I love them!

      Who did you get them from @a1154 ? Good suppliers will be happy to replace or refund, but if it's one of those cheapo companies [T&M springs to mind right away] it can be easier to use social media to get a result, if the usual methods don't work. ;)
       
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      • a1154

        a1154 Gardener

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        That is a good point, NigelJ. Yes it was cheapie Van Menuwen. I do normally buy from geetee but got attracted by a deal. I didn’t think they would be completely wrong though.
         
      • a1154

        a1154 Gardener

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        Just to add I have dig them all out, but they had already divided, and it would be easy to miss some. They are a pain.
         
      • Obelix-Vendée

        Obelix-Vendée Total Gardener

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        I like allium sphaerocephallum too @fairygirl and will happily see them spread about if they decide they like it here.

        I've never liked the yellow alliums @a1154 so you have my sympathy.

        I had a reverse problem one year in my last garden after planning and carefully planting a new bed with yellow and blue clematis, a yellow rose and, to get the year started, lots of yellow daffs and tulips with blue hyacinths and camassias bought from a supposedly reputable supplier. Every single tulip and hyacinth came up pink!
         
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