allium

i had a putple allium grown from a buld and i notice there are black seeds in the flower heads can i plant these on to make more..

 

Hi Ducky. In theory yes. Best in a cold frame and won't actually flower for 2 years +. alium is more often grown from bulb state. You can check out here:-

alium

 

Duckyjuk - its well worth a try, given the price of the bulbs. They look much better as a clump than as individuals. I tried, but the seeds didn't germinate. However I see from Sarraceniac's link that they need 6 months or more. I gave up well before that.

 

The seeds must be sown fresh and the pots left exposed to the winter weather, if they are to germinate. They need a period of cold. As said they take about 2 to 3 years to reach flowering size.
I grow a few different types each year and it is only the seeds which have been dry stored which do not always germinate easily. I have about 4 dozen A. karatviense at flowering size ready to plant out in a week or two, grown from seed sown about now, 3 years ago.

 

Or Ducky, you could leave them in the fridge for a couple of months. It's a faster method of cold stratification.

 

Dry seeds put in the fridge will just go dormant, even more so than normal in some cases. They need to be damp and cold. If you do go down the fridge route, then mix the seeds with some damp Vermiculite or Perlite in a plastic bag, before putting in the Salad compartment. They do not want to be frozen only cold.

 

Sorry Palustris, and Ducky. I do tend to give half advice. I don't suppose you have a small amount of sphagnum moss Ducky or if you have any friends that do? But if so that is even better. Make it just moist, put in a polythene bag, add seeds, seal bag and fridge it.

 

Whats the point thats just complicated? Nows the time to sow and leave them outside for the winter. Most alliums also need sharp drainage. As Palustris has hinted dry stored seeds ie. those bought in tend not to germinate. you have got much better seeds than any you can buy from a seedman.
I sow mine in a pot. I put a layer of grit in the bottom and then mix some more grit with some John Innes ( not peat based compost) so that is very free draining. Water the pot, allow to drain and then sow seeds on surface. Cover with a thin layer of grit, little bit of water and then put outside for winter. A few months later a forest of seedlings appear. I have done this with my own seeds and with seed that Palustris sent me.
Bought in seed has been rubbish by comparison.

 

Exactly!