Allium sikkimense
Description and general information:
This Allium is native to central Nepal and western China where it grows in alpine meadows at 3000-4800m. In the wild it blooms in July. Plants have thin, grass-like leaves which are a little shorter than the flower stems. Stems reach 15-25 cm with nodding clusters of 5-20 flowers. The tepals are deep blue. A key feature to help separate this species from A. cyaneum, are its stamens, which are shorter than the tepals.
Cultivation:
This small onion requires full sun and a well-drained site. It is not fussy about soil pH.
Bloom period:
June in milder regions but as late as August in cooler-summer regions
Propagation:
Seed, division
Seed:
Seeds germinate freely if exposed to 6 weeks of temperatures around 4 C. They will also germinate if directly sown at 20 C but germination may be more erratic.
Division:
Larger clumps may be dug and divided in early spring.
Cuttings:
Not practiced as they are bulbs.