Wild Green Onion

Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate is a bit temperamental when it comes to germinating, but it is well worth the effort!  Here are a few tips that I've discovered along the way:

 

Step 1:  It requires chilling (cold-stratifying) for germination.  I use recycled take- out containers that have a black plastic bottom and a clear lid.  For drainage I poke a few holes in the bottom, then fill with potting soil and wet the soil...  Let drain completely.  Then plant seeds, which are shiny black and about the size of a large pinhead.  Sprinkle a light layer of potting soil over the top and dampen with a spray mist bottle.  Close the lid, then put in a plastic bag and stick in your fridge for a full month.  For northern Minnesota growing season (Zone 3), I would suggest doing this at the beginning of February.

 

Step 2:  At the beginning of March, bring out the container and place in a warm spot.  A sunny windowsill or next to the woodburning cookstove will work well.  Be prepared to...wait!  Fair warning that the germination is sporadic.  One or two will pop up, then a couple of days later maybe a few more.  Patience is key.  You will be looking for bright red sprouts to emerge.

 

Step 3:  Once the seedlings emerge, they will need light to prevent getting straggly.  I've always only had a sunny kitchen window and keep turning them daily.  As the seedlings grow, the stems stay reddish color and green leaves will appear!  It's incredible to think that these tiny seedlings will eventually grow to become 6 to 9' tall!

 

Step 4:  Before you plant these in your flowerbed or garden, think about where you might like them to appear year after year.  Not all the time, but sometimes, you can be fortunate for these to reseed the following year.  This is great because they are hardy and at times get larger than ones that you've started from seed.  So, I plant them in the same spot, hoping for a large established patch!