Cutting Allium leavesWhen I bought an Allium ambassador at a nursery last June
By Paulr999
Leicestershire,
United Kingdom 
Cutting Allium leaves.
When I bought an Allium ambassador at a nursery last June, all the Alliums on show were just a single stalk with the flower head and no leaves whatsover.
Is the cutting back of Allium leaves an normal/acceptable practice and (if so) when should the leaves be cut back ?
Wont this have an impact on the strength of the bulb for the following years growth ?
12 Apr, 2011
Answers
The leaves feed the bulb long before it begins to flower. In fact very often the whole flower stalk is barely attached to the bulb at flowering.
12 Apr, 2011
I just want to reiterate what Owdb has said... the leaves need to be left to die back naturally so they feed teh bulb - otherwise you run the risk of no flowers next year.
12 Apr, 2011
So, to recap, if the leaves are green or yellowish don't cut them, if they are turning brown, go ahead. Many Alliums don't bloom until the leaves are being "sucked dry" by the bulb, as it gets ready for its summer dormancy.
13 Apr, 2011
Thanks to all for the replies.
15 Apr, 2011
The leaves die back naturally, remove them when the greenness is gone completely. You can remove them if they look untidy and the stalk is looking strong.
12 Apr, 2011