Allium Stems Too Slender to Support Flowers: Fertilizer Fix

A gardener's two alliums, which bloomed beautifully last year, produced slender stems and small flowers this year.

Nutrient Adjustment

Tom explained that alliums benefit from fertilizers higher in phosphorus and potassium, which support root/bulb development and flowering, rather than high nitrogen that promotes green growth. Acidic soil could also be a factor. He recommended applying well-composted manure around the plants in spring and mid-summer, available bagged at nurseries and home centers.

Balanced nutrition restores sturdy stems and robust blooms in alliums.