Allium wallichii
20 seeds per packet.
A variable, robust, clump-forming species from western China and the Himalayas with thick, flat, green leaves and large heads of star-shaped and in this colour form vivid pink-purple flowers. Grown as a vegetable in the Himalayas for its leaves and roots. Height 70 cm. Moist, well-drained soil in full sun to part-shade.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS:
Sow from autumn to early spring. Cover seed thinly, press in gently and keep top of compost from drying out. Keep pot outdoors or in cold frame over winter. Seeds germinate in spring.
Alternatively, if seeds can’t be sown in autumn or early spring use the following method: mix seeds with damp vermiculite and place inside a ziplock bag, keep bag somewhere warm for 3 weeks, then place in fridge (not freezer) for 8 weeks. Next spread mixture on top of a pot, thinly cover with compost or grit and keep warm at 15 to 20°C until germination, then move to somewhere cooler.
Carefully prick out seedlings when they have developed true leaves and are large enough to transplant to individual pots for growing on.