Pregnant Onion

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dipsydoodle Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Apr 09, 2010

I have recently bought some seeds for a Pregnant Onion (personally I am not counting on much); but what are the ideal germination conditions? I have one sitting in a propagator as a trial at the moment.

Thanks

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Metrosideros Keaau, HI Apr 10, 2010

Bowiea volubilis? Seeds and seedlings need to remain at about 70 degrees F / 21 degrees C.

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Mama_San Apr 13, 2010

I also have a Pregnant Onion. But mine is Ornithogalum longibracteatum, not Bowiea volubilis. I have no idea on the seeds. Mine is supposed to get "babies" under the skin at the base and then when they mature, you can pop them off and plant them. Well, good luck!

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dipsydoodle Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Apr 16, 2010

I have them in a propogator but no idea what their latin name is (I'll check when I get home)

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Gitagal Baltimore, MD(Zone 7a) Apr 22, 2010

I have had Pregnant Onion for a few years now.....

The best way to propagate these are from the "baby onions" the plant makes in profusion--hence the name "pregnant onion"....They do make seeds from the bloom, IF yours will bloom, but anything this slow--from seed--may take a several years. Just plant them in cell packs and wait.....Don't worry if they pop up on top of the soil---that is their nature. The Pregnant Onion is almost 2/3 above soil level when growing.....Just their way!
These "baby onions" can be any size, depending on their age, from marble-sized to bigger ones, but they all will root--no matter what. It does take a couple of years, though, before they resemble the mama plant....

Be forewarned!
The juices from the leaves (in case you cut them) can give you a nasty rash anywhere it touches your arms.....
IF you must "mess" with cutting the leaves--wear something protective on your forearms and gloves on your hands.
You can cut off the tops from worn-out socks and slip them over your arms if you are going to cut into the leaves.
The leaves can grow 3'-4' long, so the need to cut them back is very tempting....

BTW--Ythis is NOT an onion at all! It belongs to the Hyacinth family.....

Here's a good picture of how they grow.....They WILL need dividing every 3 years or so once they get going....

Gita

Here's a good shot of the "Nursery".....


Thumbnail by Gitagal
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