Topic: Allium

[Gardengirl]

I have been collecting seeds from my allium.  Can anyone tell me if it is easy to grow further plants from seed.  If I can - I will have quite a few to spare so if anyone is interested let me know.  I don't know what variety it is, but here is a photo - perhaps someone will recognise it.

[Pixie]

oooohhhhhh pretty

[reedos]

Hi,

I've no idea how easy they are to germinate, but if you've some spare I'm willing to give it a go !!
My book says that they need to be kept in the dark (bit like me most of the time) to germinate.

[Kerry]

hi gardengirl
it's allium christophii, beautiful isn't it, and huuuge when out.
i've grown some globemaster (dark purple, more compact head) from seed. from memory i didn't do anything special, although i understand a short while in the fridge will make them perform better.
my mini bulb are 2 years old now, they behave as the mature bulbs, sending up shoots and dying off at the appropriate times, just takes a few years to flower. i need patience!

[Gardengirl]

Thanks for the info Kerry.  I keep all my collected seeds in the fridge over winter and find that most of them perform better in the spring.  Do I have to wait until the spring to sow the allium seeds or can I sow them earlier in view of the length of time they take to get going?

NB: Danny & reedos - I wonder if you still want to give it a go in view of what Kerry has said :)

[Gardengirl]

but if you've some spare I'm willing to give it a go !!

Hi reedos - just wondered if you had noticed my PM or have you changed your mind?

Pat

[Kerry]

hi gardengirl,
have a very useful handbook which you get with the rhs seed distribution scheme, giving germination information for all sorts of seeds. here's what they say about allium:
1. sow in autumn (aha! just right timing!)
2. keep moist and dark
3. chill for 4 weeks
4. sow at 13-16 celsius (55-60 f)
5. time for germination 90 days to 1 year (eek!)
good luck!
ps. if there's any other seed info anyone wants....

[Gardengirl]

Thanks everso Kerry - as you say 'eek', but will give it a go - I like a challenge :D :)

[Kerry]

hi gardengirl,
sorry, re-reading the info., i should have added: barely cover seed.

[reedos]

Hi Gardengirl

Wasn't ignoring you and haven't changed my mind I would still like to give it a go, I took my little boys away camping for a couple of days which is why I hadn't replied

[Gardengirl]

Ok reedos - PM me your address and I will get some off to you.

Hope you and the boys didn't get washed out of your tent :D

Pat