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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Allium_akak is a BULB growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

A. latifolium.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[46, 61, 105, 177]. Used as an onion substitute[22]. The whole of the young plant is said to be a great delicacy and is used as an addition to rice in a pilau[2, 183]. The bulb is 15 - 30mm wide[200]. Leaves - raw or cooked. Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on salads.

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Although no specific mention of medicinal uses has been seen for this species, members of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavour) and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system[K].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

The growing plant is said to repel insects and moles[20].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained dry to moist soil[1]. Bulbs are not hardy in all parts of Britain, they probably tolerate temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c but because of their need for a very well-drained dry to moist soil are probably best grown in a bulb frame[90]. The plants need a dry period in late summer when they are dormant in order to fully ripen the bulb[203]. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[1]. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants[203]. Grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but it inhibits the growth of legumes[18, 20, 54]. This plant is a bad companion for alfalfa, each species negatively affecting the other[201]. This species is a cultivated crop in Iran[105], where it is sold in the bazaars of Teheran[183]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle - if you want to produce clumps more quickly then put three plants in each pot. Grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in spring once they are growing vigorously and are large enough. Division in spring. The plants divide successfully at any time in the growing season, pot up the divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing well and then plant them out into their permanent positions.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Iran (northwest), Iraq (north), Turkey (east), Armenia, Azerbaijan

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Allium akaka		Bulb	0.2	7-10		LM	N	DM	3	2	1

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Allium_akak - Gmel.