Alliiaceae- The Onion Family
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Alliaceae – The Onion Family
Plants in the allaceae or onion produce a pungent flavor and many produce drumstick flower heads if left to flower. Crops range from garlic, leeks, various varieties of shallots, garlic, to all types of onions, all are hardy cool climate crops. Spring onions a quick filler crop, are eaten as young plants, leaves and all. Onions, shallots and garlic are harvested when mature. When dry they can store for several months.
The herbs, chives and garlic chives also belong to this family. The flowers and leaves are used for seasonings. The perennial Egyptian Onion bears aerial bulbs in place of flowers which may sprout and grow in the soil. Flowers of leeks and garlic may also produce tiny bulbs in place of seeds. Members of the allaceae or onion family are easy to grow. By choosing a range of types and cultivars they can be available year around, either fresh or stored. Spring onions and leeks are grown from seed then later raised in a seedbed for transplanting in early summer. Onions and shallots are grown from seed or sets(immature bulbs), and garlic is planted as cloves only. Garlic must undergo a cold period to grow properly, which is why it is traditionally planted in autumn. Shallots may also be planted in autumn. Late summer is the time to plant Japanese onion cultivars for an early crop.
Members of the allaceae or onion family prefer a well-drained relatively fertile soil. Avoid rich feeding which encourages disease and also cuts down on storage life. Soil that has been fed for a previous crop such as potatoes or brassicas should suffice.
Leeks can benefit from a medium to high-fertility soil improver for poorer soils. Bulb onions respond well to variations in plant spacing which can be used to supply the size of plant you prefer. A crop of slender gourmet leeks for example can be spaced as close as 2in.(5cm) apart. Allaceae or the onion family are susceptible to onion white rot and white onion fly which attacks the bulbs, Various types of fungus may attack the foliage. Downy mildew is common in the wet season, its dark spores make leaves black. Clean infested plants and debris and use crop rotation. Keep plants in the allaceae family well weeded, as they do not compete well.
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