Allium senescens ssp. montanum

'German Garlic'

[Ex. Hořovická pahorkatina 320 m., Czech Republic]

Alliaceae: a bulbous perennial to 50cm. found on dry, usually rocky places, forests, dry stony slopes, steppes, saline meadows and gravelly places. The flowers are in dense, round clusters of pink to pale pink, blooming from June-July. The leaves are linear, blue- to grey-green. Native to Central Europe to Siberia, China and Korea.

USES:

The bulbs can be eaten raw or cooked. The bulbs can be used as an onion substitute. The small bulbs are formed in clusters on a rhizome and are up to 10mm in diameter. The leaves can also be used raw or cooked, this have a fairly strong onion flavour. You can use them in salads or as a flavouring in cooked foods. The flowers are used raw or cooked as an attractive garnish in salads.

Although no specific mention of medicinal uses has been seen for this species, members of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavour) and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system.

GROWING INFORMATION:

These seeds germinate rapidly. If germination does not occur after 3–4 weeks a cooling period of 2–4 weeks is recommended. Grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in spring once they are growing vigorously and are large enough.

Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply. Easy!

HARVESTED: 2022*

 
APPROX. 30 SEEDS