Document Actions
Allium cernuum
Description
One of our best and moist easily grown wild onions with edible foliage like that of chives. Pretty globe-shaped flowers rise out of the dense tufts of foliage in summer. Easy and long-lived.
This is a very easy species from seed.
| Common Name | Nodding Onion |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | wildflower |
| Item Number | 7 |
| Price | $4 |
| Non-member Price | $8 |
| Zone | 3 - 8 |
| Range | Eastern North America |
| Light Conditions | sun, part sun |
| Bloom Time | July |
| Flower Color | Pink |
| Height | 1 ft |
| Soil Moisture | Moist to dry |
| Germination | B |
Soil Moisture
Well-drained. Plant roots need oxygen as we do, and certain plants, especially those from dry, sandy soils and alpine environments, will easily suffocate if a soil holds too much water. A well-drained soil contains a high percentage of sand or gravel which promotes air exchange and sheds water quickly.
Germination Codes
Take these as guidelines, not as the one and only way to germinate a particular seed. Codes listed after each species indicate those that have worked reliably at Garden in the Woods - at least most of the time! All seeds should be stored dry - unless received as moist-stratified - in sealed containers in the refrigerator until time of sowing. Seed germination time varies for each species and can take from several days to many months.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| * | This symbol indicates seed stored moist to retain viability - either in a plastic bag or a plastic bag containing damp vermiculite; sow immediately upon receipt if possible. |
| A | No pretreatment necessary. Species should germinate upon sowing in a warm location (70-80° F). Sowing the seeds outdoors in early spring is the easiest method. |
| B | Species germinates after a 90-day period of moist, cold conditions (less than 40°F). Waiting until late fall and sowing the seeds outdoors in a coldframe is the easiest method. For earlier germination, sow seeds in a pot enclosed in a plastic bag and place in the refrigerator for 90 days before bringing into a warm location for germination. Many species will receive adequate stratification if placed outside before mid-February (in New England). |
| C | Species has a "double dormancy" and requires alternating cold and warm periods in order to germinate. Simply sowing the seeds outside in a seedbed or coldframe in late fall and allowing two full years for germination is the easiest method. For earlier germination, sow seeds in pots enclosed in a plastic bag and place in refrigerator for 90 days, then place uncovered pot in a warm location for 90 days. Repeat the cold treatment again either in the refrigerator or outside in late fall. Seeds will then germinate in a warm location. |
| D | In order to germinate, seeds of this species need a warm, moist period (typically 90 days), followed by a cold, moist period. Sowing the seeds outdoors in the spring and waiting one year for germination is the easiest method. For faster results, sow seeds in a warm location for 90 days, then put the pot in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 90 days before bringing it into a warm location for germination. |
| G | Seeds or spores that need high humidity and light to germinate. Best surface sown and placed in a self-sealing plastic bag indoors under grow-lights. |
| H | Seeds or spores of this species need light to germinate and should not be covered after sowing. Sow in container and water from bottom as necessary. |
| I | Seeds of this species have a hard seed coat. A light rubbing with sand paper or nail file before sowing is beneficial. |