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Strange growth on allium

Fiona MacDonaldFiona MacDonald Posts: 38
in Problem solving

hi this is the first time I've grown alliums (purple sensation). There is a strange growth on one. Can anyone tell me what /why that is?

 

thanks,

fiona

image

 

Posts

  • WintersongWintersong Posts: 2,436

    It's not the same thing Edd 

    I have this on one of mine, I was wondering if it might be gall wasp?

  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307

    Agree. Alliums do sometimes produce these bulbils in the flower heads. They are perfectly normal as Edd says.

  • WintersongWintersong Posts: 2,436

    Oh nice, thanks for the info imageimage

  • Fiona MacDonaldFiona MacDonald Posts: 38

    ???? haha so nothing weird about it! Oh well if they're going to seed, I can send you some seed.  

     

    Thanks folk old for the replies,

    fiona

  • ClaringtonClarington Posts: 4,949

    How / when do you harvest the seeds?

  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307

    When the seed pods begin to split and show small black seeds is the time to collect them. Sow straight away for best results.

    In the wild, these Allium seed heads detach from the plant and roll across the steppes shedding their seeds as they go.

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698

    Bulbils are new mini-bulbs, not seeds, but yep, it is normal. There's a thread on what to do with the bulbils here:

    http://www.gardenersworld.com/forum/plants/what-do-you-do-with-allium-bulbils/82563.html

    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • DorsetUKDorsetUK Posts: 441

    Oh dear, I'm tempted but I've such a small and awkward space what would I do with them?  My big purple alliums have hundreds of these and I've not thought of planting them but maybe I could justify a small experimental trayful

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