A Guide to Heirloom Alliums

A list of commercially grown heirloom alliums and insights from a national collector of alliums

Allium by Madeleine Françoise Basseporte and her circle, 1750. Watercolor over pencil on vellum. The Morgan Library & Museum.

“Their cultivation dates back at least 5,500 years. The plants were considered sacred by many cultures, including the Egyptians, Chinese and Sumerians.”

Harvesting History

Alliums are notorious for their challenging nature, often blooming beautifully in their first year only to disappear by the next. Thankfully, Jackie Currie, the national collection holder of alliums, provides valuable insights into the specific care needed for different allium varieties so that we can enjoy these beauties through spring and summer.

Although their exact origin is unclear due to the lack of physical traces, it is believed that many allium species originated in Central Asia, while others are native to the Americas and other regions (John Scheepers Inc.). Despite their challenging nature, alliums are among the oldest cultivated plants, and there is still a wonderful selection of old varieties of ornamental and edible alliums such as onions, leeks, chives, garlic, and various floral species to add to the cottage garden.

Allium (Garlic) - Plate from ‘The Ladies’ Flower Garden of Ornamental Bulbous Plants’ by Jane Loudon, 1841. BHL.