Allium ascalonicum. Of this there are the common, and the long-keeping, the last continuing good for two years. Both have a stronger taste than the onion, yet not leaving that odour on the palate which the latter is accustomed to do, it is often preferred and employed in its stead, both in culinary preparations, and for eating in its natural state.

Time And Mode Of Propagation

Each offset of the root will increase in a similar manner as its parent. The planting may be performed in October and November, or early in the spring, as February, March, or beginning of April. The first is the best season, especially if the soil lies dry, as the bulbs become finer. If the smallest offsets are employed for planting, they never become mouldy in the ground, and they are never injured by the most intense frosts.

They are to be planted on the surface, six inches asunder each way, in beds not more than four feet wide, some very rich mould being placed beneath them, and a little raised on each side to support them until they become firmly rooted, when it must be entirely removed by the hoe, and a strong current of water from the watering pot. The compost laid beneath the offsets may consist of a mixture of well-decayed hot-bed dung and soot, which is very favourable to their growth, and is a preservative from the maggot.

Cultivation

The only attention they subsequently require is to be kept clear of weeds. Some may be taken up as wanted in June, July, and August, but not entirely for storing until the leaves are withered, which takes place during the last-named month, when, being carefully dried and housed, they will keep until the following spring. Care must be taken that they are gradually dried in an airy situation, shaded from the meridian sun, which would cause them to wrinkle; as also to store them in dry weather.