Siberian onion(Scilla siberica) is one of the most graceful early spring plants. It blooms from the beginning of March, delighting the eyes with tiny flowers in an energetic blue color. This undemanding plant is eagerly cultivated in gardens and parks all over the world due to its multi-purpose use. See whatcultivation of Siberian squill looks like , how to propagate squill in your own garden and what is the best time forplanting the bulbs of this plant
Siberian onion - Scilla siberica
Fig. pixabay.com
What does Siberian squill look like?
Siberian onion is an onion perennialnative to Western Asia, the Caucasus and Eastern Europe. Its tiny, delicate flowers in buds resemble bells, and when unfolded they are star-shaped, intensely blue or white. They grow on a leafless stalk between narrow long leaves. One bulb produces 2 to 4 leaves and 1 to 3 inflorescence shoots.Siberian onion blooms from March to April , and the entire plant grows up to 15 cm in height. Planted in larger groups under trees and shrubs, it creates eye-catching sapphire carpets in early spring.
Siberian onion - varieties
Siberian onion is the most cultivated species of all onion. There are 2 varieties of Siberian squill for sale.Siberian onion 'Spring Beauty'has blue flowers, andSiberian onion 'White'blooms white. In addition to the varieties of Siberian squill, you should also be interested in other species of squill, such as: Spanish squill (Scilla campanulata), squill (Scilla bifolia) and Peruvian squill (Scilla peruviana).
Siberian onion - requirements
Siberian onion prefers rather loose soilsbut they must be sufficiently moist and humus-rich, neutral to slightly acidic (5.5 - 7.0 pH). This plant does not like heavy or completely sandy soils. You should never use undecomposed organic matter for the cultivation of scallions, with the exception of limed peat. Natural compost will be a good addition to the substrate.
Siberian onion - Scilla siberica
Fig. depositphotos.com
Siberian onion is drought tolerantand usually requires watering only immediately after planting or replanting, and during extremely dry springs.The plant tolerates all light conditions, from full sun to deep shade, althoughSiberian squill blooms best in shady placesOnions are frost-resistant and do not require covering due to mild winters in recent years.
Siberian onion - planting and cultivation
BestSiberian squill planting dateis the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, i.e. the whole of September. Before planting the squill, dig the ground to a minimum depth of 25 cm at least 14 days in advance. Then we fertilize the soil using multi-component fertilizers containing phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen. Natural compost will be the perfect addition to fertilize the soil.Plant the bulbs at a depth of 5 to 7.5 cmalso spaced 5 to 7.5 cm apart. After planting the bulbs, the soil should be mulched, which will keep more moisture in the ground, prevent the growth of weeds and reduce the risk of plant freezing.
The occurrence of diseases can be prevented by planting only he althy bulbs and applying preventive treatment of bulbs before planting.
During the growing seasonthe soil surface must be regularly moved, especially after intensive watering or rainso as to avoid soil crusting. Excessive water vapor in the ground can damage plants, as young bulbs are particularly susceptible to infection.
The wilted flowers of the squill are removed after they have faded , because allowing seed formation inhibits the formation of bulbs. Break off the flowers or cut them directly under the petals.
Plant the onionevery 3-4 years for the most beautiful flowering possible. Dig out the bulbs just after the leaves are dry and plant them immediately in a new position.
Siberian onion in the company of other onion flowers
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Siberian onion - reproduction
Onions reproduce from seedsand spreads very quickly into beautiful flower carpets. However, if we would like to propagate it ourselves, we can do it in two ways - from seeds or by dividing the bulbs.
The first method is long-lasting and requires a lot of work, because only small bulbs are formed within 2-3 years after sowing, which require replanting several times and further cultivation for the next 2-3 years. Only after this time will the squill bloom for the first time.
A much simpler and at the same time effective method isvegetative reproduction of the onion by dividing the bulbs . Siberian onion produces a larger number of small bulbs each year, which we divide and plant in a new place according to general cultivation rules.
Siberian onion - application
Natural floral rug is the first thing that comes to mind about theuse of Siberian squill , but this delicate plant can be used in many ways.
The low-growingSiberian squill is perfect for the edge of thebed. It can be planted under deciduous trees and shrubs that shed their leaves for the winter. When the squill blooms, the still leafless trees will not cut off the flowers from the sun's rays.
Onions can also be planted between turf species , such as: periwinkle, grouse ivy, rowan or common ivy.Onions planted in tufts on the rockery , along with other bulbous plants, such as hyacinths or sapphires, will create a beautiful natural composition that will be a garden decoration for a long time.
Bulbs - both spring-flowering and summer-flowering - do well in containers. They can be planted in classic pots, but also use bowls, watering cans, wooden boxes and barrels as well as cut tree trunks. Such miniature gardens are an interesting proposition for balconies or terraces.
To speed up the flowering of plants and enjoy the flowers in February or March, you can tryforcing Siberian onion bulbsFor this purpose, plant the onions in October using a loose sandy substrate, then leave for the rooting period (approx. 10-12 weeks) in a dark place at 4-8 ° C.Move well-rooted plants to a bright, sunny place with a temperature of 16-18 ° C, where they should bloom after about 30 days.
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
