Alliums - ok to plant in May?

I bought Alliums of various types intending to plant them last Autumn but was unable to. I now find they are sprouting shoots and I wonder if I can plant them now and, if so, will they flower next Spring/Summer?

 

I'd be interested to see what otheres think. I bought some Alliums from the 99p shop and it says not to plant until the Autumn and I wondered if I could do it now and what would be the consequence.

Incidentally, bexhillgardener, do you live in Bexhill as I live at Pett Level, not far away?

Chris

 

Chris,
Hopefully someone can advise us-I'd hate to lose any potential flowers.
Yes, I am in Bexhill.

 

I would be inclined to plant them out now. If they have already started to sprout leaves then they are wanting to grow. You may well have late flowers this year, and they should certainly flower normally next year. If you are not sure about where to put them you could always plant them in a pot.

My thoughts are that bulbs are a store of energy - rather like a battery. nature's time switch has switched them on, and they will be useing up most of their store of energy trying to produce leaves and roots. If you plant them now they can recharge the battery via photosynthesis through the leaves and by picking up moisture and nutrients via the roots. If you prevent them recharging the battery, it will be flat next year when nature's time switch is activated again.

 

Alliums-ok to plant in May?

Grateful thanks to PeterS and ARMANDII for their advice. I shall plant them tomorrow and look forward to them flowering whether this year or next.