As the genus of bulb plants, Allium covers several species, including garlic, onion, shallot, chives, scallion, leek, and more. Its name, ‘Allium,’ comes from the Greek meaning of ‘garlic.’
Besides the vegetable types, Allium covers ornamental flowery plants like Allium hollandicum, Allium sphaerocephalon, Allium cristophii, Allium caeruleum, and others.
In gardens, those pom-pom flower Alliums are often paired with other plants.
Then what can you plant with Alliums? Alliums grow well along all types of plants. However, certain plants bring more benefits than others.
Generally, Alliums are good to be planted near some vegetables as Alliums’ strong could take pests away from the vegetables.
More than that, the recommended companion plants for Alliums will be listed below.
The plant list of what you can plant with Alliums
Considering the aesthetic of the combination with Alliums, this is the list of pretty companion plants of Alliums.
Achillea
Alstromeria
Anthemis
Catmint
Chamomile
Coneflowers
Cranesbill
Crimson fountaingrass
Erysimum
Foxgloves
Geum
Gladiolus
Iris
Lady’s Mantle
Lavender
Mugworts
Nepeta
Phlomis tuberose
Phlox
Rosemary
Salvia
Stachys
Santolina
Sword lily
Most plants in the list of what you can plant with Alliums above are flowery types. Some of them are grass types. Alliums look good combined with other flowers and grasses.
Regarding vegetables and fruits, the companion plants of Allium that share mutual benefits are cucumbers, brassicas, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, lettuces, celeries, parsleys, and marigolds.
The benefits include for the companion is that the Alliums become the natural pesticide due to their strong scent.
Another benefit is that Alliums get the enhanced flavor and the companion plants that often give this benefit include summer savory, peppers, and chamomile.
Things to consider in choosing the Alliums companion plants
The aim of having companion plants
Each plant receives and gives its benefit to the Allium. If you plan to plant the Alliums on a farm, the listed vegetables are the perfect match. Yet if you wish to have a garden, pairing with the plant list of what you can plant with Alliums will do.
The plants’ growing conditions
Alliums favor loamy and sandy soils, so the companion plants should share the same growing conditions, especially the soils and care.
If you have wet soil, pairing Alliums with a plant that absorbs excessive moisture like Japanese is another perfect match.
The layout of the garden
Plants’ characteristics, like height, color, bloom time, etc., should be considered in designing the desired garden. Giant companion plants block Alliums from getting sunlight.
Arranging plants based on height will make your garden more aesthetic, especially when they bloom simultaneously.
How to plant alliums along with what you can plant with Alliums
You can plant Alliums and their companion plants together at one time. Either way, you can plant the companion plants after Alliums have grown and vice versa.
If you plan to plant at one time, you should consider the depth of each plant. The Alliums need a hole with a depth of twice or three times its bulb height at the minimum.
Some plants need to be planted shallower than the Alliums. The plants include daffodils, crocus, and others. Func fact, daffodils, crocus, and alliums bloom at the same time.
Then if you plant them in a bed, give a distance at least three times the length of the bulb from one bulb to another bulb of Allium. To cover them, use heavy soil. Then by hands, firm the ground to bury the bulb.
Plants that you cannot plant with Alliums
Though Alliums could grow along most plants, some plants could cause damage to the Alliums or vice versa. Ironically, Alliums paired with allium vegetables are a bad combo.
Vegetables in the Allium genus include garlic, onions, shallots, chives, scallions, and leeks are not on the list of what you can plant with Alliums.
Their doubled strong aroma invites maggots and onion flies. Once Alliums finish blooming, their leaves turn yellow.
The yellowing process releases a chemical substance that could influence fresh leaves on other Allium vegetables to turn yellow.
For certain vegetables such as beans, asparagus, and turnips, a chemical released by Alliums, Ajoene, inhibits the vegetables’ growth.
Sadly those vegetables produce nitrogen that brings good to Alliums, but Alliums bring the contrast.
What can you plant with Alliums, and how to care for them?
When Alliums and their companion plants already grow in peace together, regular care like watering, mulch, and inspecting are necessary.
Adjust the frequency and amount of watering with the plants’ needs. Remove weeds by mulching and create more space for sunlight to reach Alliums.
Once a week, check Alliums and their companion plants to see whether they have pests or diseases. Prepare at least water and soap solution as the first aid just in case of a pest attack.
When all the maintenance and care are already set up, you do not wonder what you can plant with Alliums and how to care for them.