PRAIRIE ONION SEEDS

Allium stellatum

North American native onion for dry sunny soils. The wild onion of the Midwest, this species prefers dry basic soils and is a nice alternative to the native Nodding Onion, which prefers more consistently moist soils. Produces a small edible bulb and pretty pink edible flowers that bloom summer through autumn (it is sometimes even listed as “autumn onion"). Fantastic en masse, especially in orchards and other permacultural landscapes. Very nice in sunny buffalograss meadows. Worth growing as an ornamental perennial bedding plant thanks to its long late bloom. Grows to no more than 2' and more often just 1' or so. Completely deerproof and unbothered by other little bulb thieves.

Seeds require stratification to germinate. Sow seeds just below the surface of moist (but not waterlogged) soil in a pot or in a flat of deep cells, pressing to keep seed snug. Cover with plastic or check frequently to maintain soil moisture and place in a sheltered location to overwinter. Seeds must be exposed to the cold fluctuating temperatures of winter, but kept out of direct sun. Cold barns and screened porches are good choices. Seeds begin to germinate in spring, after which flats should be placed outdoors in direct sun and watered only as necessary. Do not overwater! Seeds started in communal pots should be pricked out to grow on in individual deep cells of loose soil in full sun.

Seedlings may be transplanted in spring but we prefer to grow this species on in flats for the first season and transplant in autumn. Plants may take two to three years to bloom. Harvest bulbs for eating only after they have bloomed and dropped their seeds.

The raw bulbs of this species are very pungent but become sweet when braised or roasted over low heat. One of the most worthwhile wild foods from prairie habitats.

Packet contains at least 100 seeds.