Cliff Onion (Allium stellatum)

Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
(Relatively easy — prolific seed production, though seeds are tiny and require patience)

Seed Collection Time:

Late summer to early fall — typically August through September

Signs Seeds are Ready:

• Flower umbels fade and form upright, rounded seed capsules

• Capsules turn from green to tan or light brown, then begin to split at the top

• Seeds inside are black, shiny, and small — they shake loose easily when mature

• Umbels dry and become papery — seed may begin to self-sow if not collected

Tip: Flowering and seed ripening may be staggered — check plants weekly during ripening season.

Seed Collection Steps:

1. Clip entire umbels when most capsules are dry and open

2. Let air-dry for several days in a paper bag or open tray

3. Gently shake or rub seed heads to release seeds

4. Separate seeds from chaff using light screening or hand-sorting

5. Store in a cool, dry, dark place in labeled envelopes

Note: Seeds are small — use a tray or sheet to prevent loss during cleaning.

Germination Tips:

• Requires cold moist stratification for 60–90 days

• Sow outdoors in fall or refrigerate in moist medium

• Germination in 2–6 weeks after cold period

• Seedlings resemble fine chives and grow slowly in year one

Note: May take 2–3 years to flower from seed, but is long-lived and drought-tolerant.