buy Allium bulbs or start from seed?

14 years ago

Hi, i just discovered how beautiful Allium are and would like some info. regarding. How easy are they to start from seed? Or should i buy bulbs? Looking at purple sensation and a white variety, either giant ivory or mount everest.

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Comments (5)

coolplantsguy
14 years ago
Most of the named varieties are not propagated by seed. Other than that, I would consider Allium germination to be medium to high difficulty.

So my suggestion would be to buy bulbs.
ontnative
14 years ago
If you want something like 'Purple Sensation', I would start with bulbs. They are easy and reliable. Just remember that many (NOT all types) of alliums will seed around quite a bit. Even 'Purple Sensation' self-seeds, and while the seedlings may not be identical to their parent, they are very similar. Allium karataviense 'Ivory Queen'is an unusual short variety, and it, too, self-seeds. Lots of free plants to give to your friends.

Here is a link that might be useful: alliuim Ivory Queen
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pitimpinai
14 years ago
I am too impatient to wait for Allium seedlings to grow big enough to bloom.
I always add bulbs almost every year to keep them in my garden.

I get most of my bulbs from Van Engelen. This company offers a large variety of Allium.
And the price is lower than anywhere else.
It's sister company, John Scheepers sells the same thing in smaller quantity.

Of course, you can get them from the stores, but there are not as many varieties to choose from. And the price maybe higher.
It's not too bad if you get only a few, but I like to plant them in groups throughout the garden, so Ven Engelen is a great choice for me.

Have fun and enjoy your garden next spring.
:-)
kentstar
14 years ago
I have some White Giants, Ambassadors, and Globe Masters. They were bulbs. Just a warning, White Giant can seed itself all over, so plant in a spot that you don't care if it does! And, White Giants are VERY Tall! Mine were about 5 ft tall! You have to site them well because the leaves get huge and also look terrible when they yellow. I know from experience now, and have since moved them to a more suitable spot. But, they are lovely and unique! Here's a pic of them in spring:

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madtripper
14 years ago
Allium's are some of the easiest plants to grow from seed. The seeds are relatively large, and sprout easily. since they are bulbs they can take a couple of years to flower.

They don't come true from named cultivars, but the offspring usually similar to the parents. There are many allium that you can't easily get as bulbs - seed is the only way to grow them.

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buy Allium bulbs or start from seed?

Comments (5)

coolplantsguy

ontnative

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pitimpinai

kentstar

madtripper

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