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Allium stellatum
This is like nodding onion in all respects except for the carriage and timing of the blooms. Its starburst clusters are held straight up in the foot high stem, without the crook seen with nodding onion. The flowers appear about 23 weeks later, as well, so plant both for longer bloom.
| Common Name | Prairie Onion |
|---|---|
| Item Number | 8 |
| Price | $4 |
| Non-member | $8 |
| Zone | 3 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Range | Central North America |
| Exposure | sun, part sun |
| Bloom Duration | September |
| Flower Color | Pink |
| Height | 8-12 in. |
| 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. |