Crow garlic (Allium vineale) Perennial forest garden plant. 50 bulbils

Crow garlic (Allium vineale)

50 bulbils 

Crow Garlic is a plant of the onion

family native to Europe. It looks very similar to Chives and it is used in

similar manner. Season November to August.

 The long and hollow, cylindrical or

semi-cylindrical leaves can be harvested from November, through winter and into

early spring. They become tough and stringy after that and disappear altogether

just before the flowering stems emerge in late spring.

The flower heads appear in June and are

initially covered with a papery sheath. This cover soon falls away, revealing a

round umbel of tiny bulbils which can be gathered and used fresh or air-dried

as a crunchy seasoning.

In autumn clumps can be lifted and divided and some of the small underground bulbs

can be collected and eaten. They have quite a strong taste.

Allium vineale is a good allium for naturalising as part of

a forest garden as it is hardy, grows well in dappled shade and needs little

attention. Unlike many other alliums, it will grow in thick grass and among

other plants, although it will lose its clumping character and leaves will be

more difficult to harvest.

Alliums generally grow well alongside most plants,

especially roses, fruit bushes, carrots, celery, celariac, beet and chamomile,

but they inhibit the growth of legumes.

Bulbils will keep in the fridge or somewhere cool for weeks.

They can be planted at anytime but do best in spring and autumn. Scatter the

bulbils on the surface of compost in trays or pots and water with a fine spray.

Leave outdoors and bulbils should sprout in three to four weeks. Autumn sown

plants will fare better if kept in a greenhouse or cold frame over winter.  When plants are quite sturdy they can be

planted out in the ground in clumps.

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Please contact me if you have any questions about growing

your bulbils.

I will dispatch within four working days of purchase, often

sooner. I will use recycled and biodegradable packing materials where possible.

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