Alliums

A.aflatunense- Lilac-purple flowers. Stems 80-150cm, bears numerous starry flowers in round umbels of 10cm width. Leaves 6-8 nos.,2-10 cm diameter, much shorter than stem and withering before flowers mature. Use bulb size 10-12cm.Cultivar- Purple Sensation- deep violet flowers, plant reaches up to 1m in height

Allium flower harvesting and post harvest handling
For cut flower utilization, flowers are harvested when 50%of the florets are ripe. In some cases like A.giganteum, the flower stalk is cut when the florets are almost fully open. Flowers can be stored in water for 2-4 weeks at 0-2°c. Flowers of some species like A.christophii are excellent for drying. Flowers should be dried at a high temperature in a very short time so that they retain their true colour.

You need to take care of Allioum flower bulbs in various areas such as fertilization, watering and weeding.

Climate and soil
Alliums are a cool season crop. They need long day photoperiod for bulb formation and flowering. They require 210c for seed germination and 13-18 0c for vegetative growth. They grow well under mild climate without extreme heat or cold. Excessive rainfall may cause rotting problem.

Alliums are commonly called ornamental onions. They display such dazzling colours and exquisite beauty that they can prove invaluable for the gardens throughout the year. These ‘minor’ bulbs are very easy to cultivate and look after. In addition, they exhibit their blooms in gardens and pots for several months including summer and autumn season when most other bulbs are in resting stage.