Apparently last year I missed harvesting some onions. This summer three alliums grew. I knew that allium is in the onion family but did not know this could happen.
I planted 4 red onions LAST spring in my veggie garden (part of our university's community garden), but they never grew. This year, when I went to put in some more veggie plants, lo and behold, there were the four onions I planted last year, in full bloom! The stems are strong,about 18" tall, with these pretty white flowers on top. They are still growing strong, haven't wilted or fallen over yet, so I am anxious to see if I actually have red onions this year!
KMS, so not actually allium? Whatever they are, they are pretty.
Christine, this is what these are like: tall, sturdy stems. Our house is on the market, but if we are here in the fall I will check to see if there are onions to harvest.
11. Q: What causes my bulb onions to send up flower stalks?
A: Flowering of onions can be caused by several things, usually temperature fluctuation. An onion is classed as a biennial which means it usually takes two years to go from seed to seed. However, this condition is triggered by temperatures. If an onion plant is exposed to alternating cold and warm temperatures resulting in the onion plant going dormant, resuming growth, going dormant and
...»
then resuming growth again, the onion bulbs prematurely flower or bolt. Flowering can be controlled by planting the right variety at the right time. Use only transplants that are pencil-sized or smaller in diameter.
12. Q: Should I remove the flower stalks from my onion plants?
A: No. Once the onion plant has bolted, or sent up a flower stalk, there is nothing you can do to eliminate this problem. The onion bulbs still will be edible but probably will be smaller. Use these onions as soon as possible because the green flower stalk which emerges through the center of the bulb will make storage almost impossible.
I had the same blossoms come this year from onions I planted in April. They are beautiful. I cut them and enjoyed them in my dining room for a couple weeks. Great info KMS. I plan on using these onions up first!!
Christine, this is what these are like: tall, sturdy stems. Our house is on the market, but if we are here in the fall I will check to see if there are onions to harvest.
A: Flowering of onions can be caused by several things, usually temperature fluctuation. An onion is classed as a biennial which means it usually takes two years to go from seed to seed. However, this condition is triggered by temperatures. If an onion plant is exposed to alternating cold and warm temperatures resulting in the onion plant going dormant, resuming growth, going dormant and ...»
12. Q: Should I remove the flower stalks from my onion plants?
A: No. Once the onion plant has bolted, or sent up a flower stalk, there is nothing you can do to eliminate this problem. The onion bulbs still will be edible but probably will be smaller. Use these onions as soon as possible because the green flower stalk which emerges through the center of the bulb will make storage almost impossible.