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Star garlic

Name: Star garlic
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMGR1
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Common name Star Garlic

Latin name Allium stellatum

Quantity per packet Approximately 100 seeds

This edible native perennial provides an important late-summer nectar source while requiring very little maintenance. Star Garlic supports biodiversity and fits beautifully into ecological gardens, prairie plantings, and pollinator landscapes.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameStar Garlic

Latin nameAllium stellatum

FamilyAmaryllidaceae

TypeEdible native plant

CyclePerennial

Quantity per packApproximately 100 seeds

Code produitAKENE-0001

Product
description

Prairie Onion (Allium stellatum) is an edible native perennial admired for its lavender-pink star-shaped flower umbels held above fine, elegant blue-green foliage. Blooming late in the season from July to August, it brightens rock gardens, wildflower meadows, and pollinator gardens when many perennials have already finished flowering. Compact and easy to place in borders or containers, it reaches about 35 cm (14 in) in height with a spread of 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in). Extremely hardy to -40°C (-40°F), Allium stellatum returns reliably year after year in Canadian gardens.

Prairie Onion prefers full sun and well-drained sandy to loamy soil that stays dry to moderately moist. Once well established, it tolerates poor soils and periods of drought thanks to its underground bulb. Sow Prairie Onion seeds in autumn or after about 60 days of cold stratification, placing them 5 mm deep in a growing medium kept lightly moist until germination. A light application of compost in spring is enough to support flowering, without excess nitrogen. Container growing is very easy as long as the pot is deep and drainage is excellent.

In the garden, Prairie Onion pairs naturally with lavender, sage, catmint, and yarrow, creating bright, understated plantings suited to dry conditions. Its nectar-rich flowers attract native bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and many beneficial insects in late summer. The leaves, bulbs, and flowers are edible and offer a delicate garlic-like flavor, ideal for moderate use in salads, soups, and cooked dishes. In addition to adding a refined touch to the landscape, this native allium supports biodiversity and enriches edible gardens.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodAutumn or after 60 days of cold stratification

Best time

Autumn or spring after stratification

Sowing depth5 mm

Spacing / density

15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in)

Germination temperature20°C (68°F)

Germination time5 to 15 days

Propagation

Propagate by seed or bulb division.

Growing
method

Sow Star Garlic seeds in autumn or after approximately 60 days of cold stratification to improve germination. Cover the seeds lightly and keep the growing medium evenly moist until seedlings emerge. This species prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, Star Garlic tolerates drought well and requires little maintenance. It slowly forms attractive colonies suited to naturalistic gardens and wildflower meadows. Its late-season flowering provides an important nectar source for pollinators. This hardy perennial is perfectly adapted to Canadian growing conditions.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun

Soil

Well-drained sandy to loamy soil. This species prefers dry to moderately moist conditions and tolerates poor soils.

Soil pH6.0 to 7.5

Watering

Low. Water only during extended periods of drought.

Fertilization

A light application of compost in spring is sufficient to support growth and flowering. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which encourage foliage at the expense of flowers.

Care levelLow

In spring, the foliage emerges quickly and benefits from a light application of compost. During summer, occasional watering is enough except during prolonged dry periods. Allow spent flowers to produce seed to encourage natural reseeding. In autumn, the foliage dries naturally and replenishes the bulb for the following year. Once established, Star Garlic requires very little intervention.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in)

Star Garlic is very easy to grow in a deep, well-drained container. Use a light potting mix enriched with compost and place the pot in a very sunny location. This species tolerates drier conditions once established and needs little watering. Container growing also makes it easier to appreciate its late-season blooms, which are highly valued by pollinators. The bulbs can remain in the same pot for several years with minimal maintenance.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Its star-shaped lavender-pink flowers appear late in the season when few other native plants are still blooming. Star Garlic supports pollinators while adding an elegant accent to naturalistic plantings.

Garden use

Star Garlic is ideal for rock gardens, wildflower meadows, pollinator gardens, and naturalistic plantings. Its late-season bloom extends visual interest when many perennials have finished flowering. It pairs beautifully with native grasses and dry-site plants. Its presence supports biodiversity while adding a refined texture to the landscape.

Bloom period

Late-season flowering produces star-shaped umbels that are highly attractive to pollinators.

Flower colorLavender pink

Foliage colorBlue-green

Harvest

Late summer flowering

Fruiting

Capsules containing numerous black seeds after flowering.

Wildlife appealBees and pollinators

Size
and facts

Height35 cm (14 in)

Spread15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in.)

Growth rateModerate

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 3–8

Minimum temperature-40°C (-40°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Papillonstrue

Insectes utilestrue

Résistant aux cerfstrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Lavender, Sage, Catmint, Yarrow

Avoid planting with

Yellow Flag Iris, Marsh Marigold, Cardinal Flower, Horsetail

Recipe
and inspiration

The leaves and bulbs have a mild garlic flavor and can be used fresh in salads, soups, and cooked dishes. The flowers are also edible and add a decorative touch to plates. Star Garlic is an excellent choice for edible gardens that support biodiversity. Harvest moderately to preserve the strength of the colonies.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Star Garlic seeds? +

Star Garlic seeds are best sown in autumn or after approximately two months of cold stratification.

Is Star Garlic edible? +

Yes. The leaves, bulbs, and flowers are edible and have a delicate mild garlic flavor.

Does Star Garlic attract pollinators? +

Its late-season blooms attract a wide variety of bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Can Star Garlic tolerate drought? +

Once well established, Star Garlic tolerates dry periods relatively well thanks to its underground bulb.

Is Star Garlic hardy in Canada? +

Yes. This hardy perennial withstands Canadian winters very well and returns reliably each year.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.