[mrs.ploppy]

I had some giant alliums (large purple heads) grown from bulbs a few years ago and kept the spiky heads for dried flower display.  All had small black seeds in which drop out and I have kept many.  Is it posible to grow them from seed and how hard and how long would it take to flower?  Would like information on how to do this is poss - any ideas out there?

[Teen76]

OK I've heard it takes a year but I'll double check on that cause it sounds rediculous.

[Teen76]

I've found this on the RHS Website:

"It is possible to propagate alliums by seed, however hybrids will not come true from this method.  It is best to sow ripe seeds as soon as possible. Alternatively store in a fridge and sow in spring at about 13°C (55°F). Most should germinate within 12 weeks. It will take several years to reach the flowering size."

[mrs.ploppy]

Thanks for the replies.  I think I will give it a go as I got a few years in me yet I hope so don't mind the wait!  LOL  I thought they may not stay to type but will be interesting to see what comes up.

[chimaera]

I was going to ask something similar; where I grew giant alliums last year there are now hundreds of seedlings coming up that look right (like germinating leeks). I was wondering if it was worth lifting them and potting them up before they get swamped by other plants. I think I'll do a couple of dozen and see what happens.

Charlie

[mumofstig]

Well worth a try!!..........i'm going to leave mine to seed this year and do the same thing as you.
It worked with chives...............so should work fine with the ornamental ones
In Rosemary Verey's laburnum walk at Barnsley House all the alliums self seed the colours are variable but still looks wonderful!

[Bombers]

Well worth a try!!..........i'm going to leave mine to seed this year and do the same thing as you.
It worked with chives...............so should work fine with the ornamental ones
In Rosemary Verey's laburnum walk at Barnsley House all the alliums self seed the colours are variable but still looks wonderful!

Ooh. I hope it works, as I left mine last year. Fingers crossed. X X

[Trillium]

I have a slightly smaller flowering allium that readily self seeds and I'm at the point where I must regularly dig up the bulbs as they can quickly take over the plot. A lot of my friends now have masses of flowering onions. I never seem to remember to cut off the flower heads in time. If you feel you're getting the actual giant allium growing, I highly advise staking as the stalk will flop over from the weight of the head. I have a number of these from purchased bulbs and all require staking.

[Bombers]

What like these?

Thanks Trillium. I don't stake them, (they are quite sheltered). I haven't seen any new growth  from last years seeds as yet,but if they germinate, should I  transplant them to a nursery bed to mature, or just leave 'em be? Sorry Mrs Ploppy, but I thought this might help answer your questions too! 

[mumofstig]

more info here http://www.crocus.co.uk/features/_/articleid.955/

[mrs.ploppy]

Well I hope mind do come to something now after all the advice.  The originals were from bulbs and the heads were about 7-8" across and bright purple.  What ever comes up they should look good.  I cut the heads to dry for display so never let the seeds fall.  Now the dried heads are in the kitchen window the seeds have fallen and I collected.  I planted some the other day so if anything pops it head up will let you all know but the seed is obviously a year old not new as advised.  Fingers crossed.

Just read previous post and it was very interesting.  Mine looked like the second picture.  Will throw the remaining seed in the large tub where I grew them and see if they prefur to grow naturally too.  Thanks for all advice.

[Salmo]

Last year I had seedlings in the border with a narrow leaf which died back. This year they have reappeared with a broad leaf like the parent plant. I am not expecting them to flower this year.

[Trillium]

If the garden area isn't regularly cultivated then you can simply leave the new seedlings in place. If you prefer, move them to a temporary bed, it's merely choice and space availability. My giant alliums (Globemaster) are in the most sheltered area of my garden and they grow to almost 5 ft tall. Without staking they still flop over. A green bamboo cane keeps them upright and blends into the greenery.

[mrs.ploppy]

WOW 5 feet tall!  Mine never got that high prob cause they were in a tub.  Tallest was about 3ft tall.

[Bombers]

Well, after a couple of days rain these appeared...........


You can make them out better in this picture............


There are hundreds of them! I think I will leave them be as they are nicely sheltered around a large camelia. How pleased am I!