Allotments 4 All

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.

oooohhhhhh pretty

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.

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!

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 :)

Quote from: reedos on August 23, 2004, 20:16:06
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

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....

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

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

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

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