ARTICLES

ALLIUM

Allium fistulosum

Allium is a perennial, onion-

like herb which does not

form an onion-type bulb;

the hollow stems are used

instead. Their taste is

similar to leeks and are

good in salads and soup.

Allium--just as vigorous as other Onions...

All of the various types of Onions have represented a kind of life-force. Allium fistulosum is no exception, even if it is not as common as other Onions or Garlic.

Onions have been used as both food and medicine for hundreds of years. In fact, when used in treating such things as kidney stones or to rid the body of the poisons arising from infectious diseases, they were very successful. Onion poultices were used in cases of sore throats, chilblains, chapped skin and wasp stings.

Fine winter plant

A. fistulosum grows wild in Southern Siberia and, both here and in many Arab countries, it has been cultivated by man in more northern climates. The plants can be bought as pots of small bulbs or a seed.

In many countries, this plant is known as the Pipe Onion. This is because it has large, hollow, pipe-like leaves and stems. Some also call it Chopping Onion or Winter Onion, which hints at its use.

Perennial

A. fistulosum grow fast. It is a perennial with a number of side-shoots which, together, give a compact, bushy growth. In only a few years it can grow to a large, strong plant. It is best suited for growing in a vegetable garden, as an edging plant, for example. It is easy to grow in well=drained soil.

Varieties

Ishikura Long is primarily used whole or chopped up in

soups, but it can be used raw in salads, although the taste

is quite strong. It looks a little like leek with a 14-inch

long white stem. Red Beard has red stems and green leaves. It is gathered and used when the stem is 10"-12" long. A good, raw salad variety.

Propagation and use

Propagated from seed or by division. Sow the seeds outside in early April or in pots from March through late July. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/2"-3/4". They will germinate after a period of 10-15 days at a temperature or 68°F. Keep the soil evenly moist throughout this period and thin the plants out to 1/2" to 1" apart.

Each plant will grow into a compact, bushy plant after just a couple of years. Such plants can be divided to make new ones. Dig them up, dividing them into a suitable number of small plants and plant them out again about 20" apart. They will tolerate cold winters and keep their green color for months. When the new growth is in full swing, in May-June, the leaves can be gathered once more.

Plant Doctor

⁬ The leaves turn red and the roots stop growing if the soil is too

wet. Provide good drainage.

 The plant may wither and die under the attack of the whitish-

yellow larvae of Onion flies.

 Onion mildew attacks the leaves. They are first covered with a

gray/violet deposit which later turns to a dark, mildewy layer. The

leaves will then wither away.

Buying Tips

Young plants are available in the spring.

Buy only plants with fresh, green leaves

with no withered tips. Seed can be bought

at any time of year from stores specializ-

ing in such things.

Lifespan: Can live for many years

and will become large and bushy with

age.

Season: Early spring.

Difficulty quotient: Extremely easy.

In Brief

Size and growth rate

A. fistulosum is a perennial with 20"-24" long flower stems. Both leaves and stems are hollow and pipe-shaped. It has no onion-like bulb, but has white stems similar to those of the leek.

Flowering and fragrance

Plants over one year old bloom with greenish-white flowers in July-August. The flowers grow in clusters at the heads of the flower stems, which are "swollen" in the middle. Flowers have no special fragrance. The entire plant smells of onion.

Light and temperature

A. fistulosum, which is grown in pots, will thrive best in a bright window position in the spring.

Watering and feeding

Water two to three times a week if the plants grow in tubs or boxes and feed two or three times in the course of the growing season. Although these plants are not particularly sensitive to drought they need regular care to produce fresh, green leaves and stems.

Soil and transplanting

A. fistulosum can grow in any type of soil as long as it is well-drained. It will thrive in the same spot for many years in the garden, but potted plants grown from seed should be renewed each year.

Grooming

None

Propagating

With seeds or by dividing older plants. The very young plants are crisp and have a fine flavor.

Environment

A plant which is both decorative and useful in a garden, box or tub. Young seedlings can be grown in the kitchen window like many other kitchen herbs.