Allium 'Nigrum' (Black Garlic)

Dispatch begins week of 14 September
Autumn planting varieties are seasonal and become available at the start of September. We will then prepare your order and begin dispatch during the week beginning Monday 14 September.

Choose your pack size Planting impact; savings vs smallest pack
10 bulbs
Planting coverageFills 1-2 pots or a compact group
£5.69
£0.57 each
30 bulbs
Most popular Creates a generous border group
£15.49
£0.52 each
Save 9% each
50 bulbs
Best value Creates a broad border drift
£23.09
£0.46 each
Save 19% each

Free delivery on £40+ orders

Carbon-Neutral Delivery

Bloom or Bust Guarantee

Nigrum, often admired for its white with green centres colouring, is a bulb variety especially well suited to borders.

Allium nigrum is a quietly dramatic allium: creamy-white, cup-shaped flower heads with a distinctive dark central eye, held on sturdy stems above neat, grey-green foliage. Flowering in late spring into early summer, it brings a composed lift to borders and gravel planting, and lends itself beautifully to elegant, architectural arrangements indoors.

  • Refined colour – creamy white with green centres and a deep, inky focal point
  • Excellent structure – upright stems with crisp, modern presence
  • Garden & vase – a handsome cut flower with lasting style
  • Wildlife-friendly – pollinator friendly
  • Dependable – fully hardy and straightforward to grow

Plant in autumn for a poised display in May and June, then allow the foliage to fade naturally to feed the bulb for next year’s performance.

Botanical name Allium nigrum
Flower colour White with green centres
Bulb size 12/14cm
Established height 50-100cm
Established spread 10-50cm
Plant spacing 20cm
Leaf colour Grey-green
Habit Upright
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Fully Hardy
Years to establish 2-3 years
Sunlight Full-Sun, Partial Sun
Position Borders, gravel gardens, containers
Suitable for Borders, Containers, Cut Flowers
Soil acidity Any
Soil moisture Well-drained
Soil type Clay
RHS Award (AGM) No
Growing skill Easy
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Deer resistant Yes

Where to Plant:

Allium 'Nigrum' (black garlic) needs full-sun, partial sun and a warm, sheltered position for the best flowering. Plant into fertile, humus-rich soil that drains well, and choose a spot protected from strong winds, especially for taller varieties.

How to Plant:

Plant bulb from September to December once conditions are suitable. Set them at the correct depth for the variety, spacing 20cm apart where relevant, then firm in gently and water well after planting.

Aftercare:

Water regularly in dry weather and feed every two to three weeks once buds appear. Stake taller stems early and deadhead to keep plants flowering. After flowering, allow foliage to die back naturally before lifting or protecting bulb according to local conditions.

Planting and Flowering Calendar

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Planting
Flowering

Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Attracts wildlife

Good for cutting

Naturalising

Allium 'Nigrum' (black garlic) - Harding & Bloom

Allium 'Nigrum' (Black Garlic)

£5.69

£5.69

The Finest Bulbs

We partner with elite growers to provide only top-size, professional-grade bulbs. Bigger bulbs mean stronger roots and more spectacular blooms.

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We are committed to a healthier planet, using sustainable growing practices and mindfully chosen, recyclable packaging.

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Discover an extensive collection of both timeless classics and rare, exclusive varieties to create a garden that is uniquely yours.

Our Bloom Guarantee

If a bulb or plant fails to perform in its first growing season after the care instructions have been followed, we will normally offer a replacement or store credit for the affected item. This does not affect your statutory rights.

Kind Words from Our Gardeners

Arrived quickly and well-packaged. Planted them in some pots on the patio and they all came up. Look beautiful. Thank you!

Careane Wallace

Oxfordshire, UK

The bulbs arrived beautifully packaged and you could just tell they were excellent quality. We had the most wonderful display of daffodils this spring on our patio. Simply stunning. Will definitely be ordering again

David P

Kent, UK

I ordered the mixed hyacinth collection and the scent in my garden this April was absolutely heavenly. Every single bulb produced a strong, beautiful flower and the colours were stunning together. A fantastic purchase, I'll be back for more next year!

Eleanor R

Somerset