Nodding Onion Can Put On a Show

Photo:

Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Nodding Onion is famous for its blossoms’ unusual orientation: pointing downward, “nodding” towards the earth. Each hooked stem has pom-poms of star-shaped blooms blossoming in cream, pastel pink, and light lavender. This plant is simple to cultivate and will expand naturally by seed and bulb offshoots. Plant in large quantities for a spectacular show. Nodding Onion can be used in the cooking in the same way as chives are.

Pollinators

The downwards orientation gives pollinating bees a priority because they are not fazed by gathering nectar and pollen while hanging upside-down.

Quick Growing Guide

Ritchie Feed and Seed Ad

Botanical Name: Allium cernuum

Also Called: Nodding Wild Onion

En français: Ail penché

Colour:

Blooms:

Water: Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry

Pollinators:

Hardiness Zones:

How to Grow Nodding Onion?

Nurseries and garden centers usually carry both seeds and plugs of nodding onion, so you can plant either way. Seeds can be sown in containers in the spring, then transplanted outdoors once the perceived danger of the last frost passes. Seeds can crack if planted directly into the soil outdoors.

The nodding onions are comparatively very easy to grow. When they are sown in spring, they grow and bloom during the months of early to mid-summer. Although it prefers well-drained soil in full sun, it can tolerate clayey soils and thrives in places where conditions are very difficult such as hot suns and gravelly soils. It is recommended to divide clumps every third year or when they have 8-10 bulbs.

How Long Does Nodding Onion Bloom?

It is possible to find 30 or more flowers blooming on one nodding onion stem during the blooming period of late spring and early summer. The flower has a delicate onion scent when cut or crushed, as it belongs to the Allium (onion) family.

Is Nodding Onion Edible?

Native American cultures use this plant’s bulbs for medicinal purposes, and some wildlife species, such as bears and ground squirrels, consume its bulbs, despite their strong flavor. They are edible; however, they do not carry many nutritional benefits. Its leaves and bulbs once used to be used as food, but they are no longer popularly consumed.

Wild onion has a stronger flavor than supermarket varieties; it becomes softer and sweeter when cooked. It is possible to add the green leaves to salads, cook the bulbs and lower stalks in stir-fries, and garnish with flowers.

What Does a Nodding Onion Look Like?

Nodding onion has a peculiar appearance. Several small pink or white flowers are arranged on an erect, leafless stalk resembling a shepherd’s crook, and several long, narrow leaves are arranged at its base. All parts of this perennial have a mild oniony smell. As far as appearance and characteristics are concerned, this plant and Autumn Wild Onion are closely related.

Nodding Wild Onion Seeds
Nodding Wild Onion Seeds

Nodding Onion Seedlings

If you don’t want your garden to get overrun with Nodding Onions, deadhead the blossoms before they seed. If you wish to harvest seeds, wait for the seed capsules to mature and turn tan or straw-colored before opening them, since the seeds will be black when they do. The seeds have the appearance of a tiny black capsule.

When the seeds of nodding wild onions have been refrigerated for around two months, you can directly sow them in the early spring. Plant 2-3 seeds per pot after the seed has been in the refrigerator for 60 days, then use it indoors after that. In order for the seeds to germinate, you should keep the soil at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly moist.

Comments

Leave a Reply

More From Gardening Calendar

Virginia Waterleaf Helps Stop Soil Erosion

Virginia waterleaf is an excellent choice for shady areas and woodland gardens that can spread quickly, cover bare spots and help stop soil erosion. It comes in white and violet colours and has edible leaves that can be used in cooking. Discover more about it and its companion plants. Enhance your woodlands with Virginia Waterleaf. Discover the perfect choice for shady areas and woodland gardens – Virginia Waterleaf! Native to various regions in North America, it blooms in white and violet, and can spread quickly from rhizomes to provide groundcover, reduce erosion and provide edible leaves.

Companion Planting

Discover how companion planting with tomatoes and vegetables can attract beneficial pollinators and predators for a healthier garden.

Tomato Leaf Curl: Virus, Causes & Remedies For Tomato Leaves Curling

Learn how to identify and treat Tomato Leaf Virus with home remedies and preventive measures to protect your tomatoes and other plants with Plant Care Today! Learn how to identify and safely treat Tomato Leaf Virus with home remedies and preventive measures to protect your tomatoes and other plants with Plant Care Today! Read how to detect, prevent, and treat tomato leaf virus to avoid plant die-off caused by leaf curling, flower/fruit drop and many more symptoms.

Houseplants for the Bedroom

Houseplants are the perfect solution to help purify the air and add serenity to your space. Plus, they can add natural color and exotic beauty to bedrooms.