2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Karatavian onion (lat. Allium karataviense) - a representative of the Onion genus of the Onion family. A perennial herb most commonly used in garden design. Natural area - Western Tien Shan and Altai foothills. Typical places are talus and limestone.
Characteristics of culture
The Karatav onion is a plant with a spherical bulb, reaching a diameter of 2-6 cm. The shells of the bulb are gray or blackish, papery. The stalk is strong, up to 25 cm high, often buried in the ground by 1/3 or 1/2 part. Leaves are lanceolate or elliptical, smooth along the edge, always longer than the stem. The flowers are collected in spherical, dense, multi-flowered inflorescences. Perianth star-shaped, pink-violet. Tepals are obtuse, linear, slightly curled and bent over time. The fruit is an obovate capsule.
The subtleties of growing
In culture, the Karatava onion is unpretentious, but it blooms better on light, loose, moderately moist, neutral soils rich in nutrients. They have a negative attitude to waterlogged soils, they easily tolerate a short drought. Stagnant water does not accept, this can cause rotting of the bulbs, as a result of which the plants die. Karatavsky onion is a light-loving and thermophilic culture that does not tolerate a thick shade.
The Karatav onion propagates by seeds and baby bulbs, which are formed during the growth process. In one area, the plant is able to develop normally for several years, although over time the planting becomes very dense, and this leads to shrinking leaves and abundant flowering. For this reason, the planting of karatavian onions must be regularly thinned out, or rather, divided.
Plants are divided every 3-5 years. The bulbs are dug out only after the leaves die off and the seeds are fully ripe. Landing is carried out at the end of September, in warm regions - at the beginning of October. Planting depth depends on the size of the bulb. The distance between the rows should be about 20-30 cm. Sowing of seeds of karatavian onions is carried out in the fall. Spring sowing is also not prohibited. Plants grown from seeds bloom only in the third year of life.
Caring for the Karatava onion is completely false, it consists in weeding and loosening the aisles, occasional watering and top dressing. Mulching is also necessary. Natural material can be used as mulch, including peat and humus. Plants are fed in early spring, before flowering and at the end of summer. For top dressing, it is recommended to use complex mineral fertilizers. Fresh organic matter should not be used.
Usage
The karatavsky onion is prized in ornamental gardening. It is used in group plantings on the lawn, as well as in the design of mixborders, rock gardens, borders and other types of flower beds. Plants are planted in the background or middle ground. Low-growing forms look more harmonious in the first line. Karatava onions are also suitable for cutting. The inflorescences of the plant can also be used for making winter bouquets.
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