Vivid reddish purple spherical flower heads borne on long straight stems held above strap shaped basal leaves which die down when the plant flowers. Comes into flower as most spring bulbs are finishing.
Common Name : Purple Sensation, Dutch Garlic and also known as Allium aflatunense Family : Alliaceae Type : Perennial
Position : Full Sun Soil requirements : Average/Sandy/Well Drained Height : 90cm Spread : 30cm
Sowing : Sow directly where they are to flower at any time of year, or sow indoors, then overwinter seedlings in the greenhouse and plant out the following spring.
To sow directly plant seeds 20mm deep, winter cold will naturally stratify the seeds with seedlings emerging the following spring.
To sow indoors surface sow onto moist well-drained seed compost, just cover with soil. Ideal temp. 18-22°C for 2-4 weeks. Then cold stratify -4°C-+4°C for 4-6 weeks then return to warmth 5-12°C where the seeds should germinate.
Germination can be slow and erratic taking 18 days-12 months. Repeat warm/ cold cycle if germination does not occur. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise for 10-15 days before planting out.
