I'm also in zone 5 Illinois. I planted mine in mid-October last year, they bloomed just fine this summer. Some bulbs need to grow roots in the fall; I'm not sure about alliums.

I would go ahead and use the bulb food. A 3-4 pound bag really does not last that long. If it makes it grow better why skimp? A lot of bulbs will not come back after a few years unless you give them food. Do you have other bulbs as well?

Thanks for your reply. I will probably plant them this weekend or next. That should be about right for a good bloom next spring. I don't have a problem purchasing the bulb food, but wish it came in smaller quantities because as I said, I only have 8 alliums. I don't have any other bulbs. I wonder if bulb food loses it's nutrient level if it gets old before it's all used.

Lora

lora
U have the best of all the allium! i am in zone 5 as well in IL.
I have moved my globemasters at dfiferent times and never lost one after. They are easy unless you slice them with the shovel! It is recommended to plant in cool weather because they are dormant in the heat of summer. You are fine to plant them now.

I would recommend you mark them so you don't accidentally hit them with the shovel- they do completely disappear after bloom. I'm marking mine with angelina sedum on top or variagated iris or a marker.

I've never used bulb food until his year. They did fine and multiplied anyway.

You can cut and dry them. But they stink- so air them out all summer in a shed before you bring htem in:)
Karen