Washburn's Community Seed Bank
@ the Washburn Public Library
Sponsored by: the Seed Savers Alliance
Members of the Allium genus are insect pollinated and will cross with others within their species.
Some General Information about the Onion Family:
Seed Saving Tips
Quoted from the online Guide to Saving Vegetable Seeds
Chives
Commonly reproduced by division of bulbs in the garden, insect-pollinated chives also produce viable seeds. Chives cross with other chives (except Garlic chives, which are A. tuberosum); separate varieties by one mile for safe distance isolation.Let a few clumps of chives flower in the spring and collect the seeds when flower heads are thoroughly dry. The seeds will easily crumble out of the dried flowers.Short-lived Allium seeds last just one or two years with good germination... they are best replanted annually.
Organic Chives
Standard type. Medium to full-size similar to Staro. Quick growing and a good choice for greenhouse growers or those who prefer a heavy chive. Use leaves or flowers to dress up soups and salads with a slightly spicy garnish. Also works well for freezing and drying. Hardy perennial in zones 3-8. Can tolerate partial shade. (Allium schoenoprasum )
Seed Planting Depth: 1/4 inch
Seed Spacing: 2-3 seeds/spot
Days to Germination: 7-14
Plant Spacing After Thinning: 8-12 inches
Plant Height: 10-18 inches
Days to Maturity: 90
Seed Saving Difficulty: Easy
Organic Tadorna Leek
Winter leek with stocky, medium length, dark green shafts that size up well and hold into the fall. Tadorna is a favorite of growers in the Northeast for its vigorous growth and good resistance to disease. Tadorna is very uniform and well adapted to many regions. Over-winters in mild climates. Good resistance to leaf blights. (Allium porrum)
Seed Planting Depth: 1/4 inch
Seed Spacing: 4-6 seeds/ft
Days to Germination: 10-14
Plant Spacing After Thinning: 3-6 inches
Plant Height: 18-24 inches
Days to Maturity: 110
Seed Saving Difficulty: Easy