Overview
Allium fimbriatum S. Wats. var. diabolense Ownbey & Aase, also known as the devil's onion, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. This plant is native to North America, specifically in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
General Appearance
The devil's onion is a bulbous plant that reaches up to 15 inches in height. Its leaves are thin and long, growing up to 12 inches in length. The plant produces multiple flower stalks, each bearing a ball-shaped inflorescence composed of small pink to purple flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. The plant's bulb is small, around 1 inch in diameter, and covered in a light brown, papery skin.
Common Names
The Allium fimbriatum S. Wats. var. diabolense is commonly known as the devil's onion, fringed onion, or serrated onion. Its name is derived from the fringed appearance of its inflorescence and the plant's association with the devil due to its pungent odor.
Uses
The devil's onion has several medicinal uses and was traditionally used by Native American tribes to treat digestive issues, such as gas and bloating, as well as to relieve pain. It is also believed to have antimicrobial properties and was used topically to treat wounds and infections. In modern times, the plant is often used as an ornamental, adding a unique touch to gardens.
Light Requirements
The Allium fimbriatum S. Wats. var. diabolense Ownbey & Aase grows best in full sunlight. This plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to stimulate growth and flowering. Lack of sufficient sunlight can lead to weak stems and stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
The Allium fimbriatum S. Wats. var. diabolense Ownbey & Aase thrives in a moderate temperature range. The plant prefers daytime temperatures between 60? and 80? and nighttime temperatures between 40? and 60?. Extreme temperatures can hinder growth and development, and the plant may not survive in temperatures below 25?.
Soil Requirements
The Allium fimbriatum S. Wats. var. diabolense Ownbey & Aase prefers well-draining soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients and organic matter. The plant can tolerate slightly alkaline soil, but acidic soil should be avoided. The addition of compost or organic fertilizer can boost soil fertility and promote healthy plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
Allium fimbriatum S. Wats. var. diabolense, commonly known as Diabolic Onion, requires well-drained soil with a pH level from neutral to alkaline. You can cultivate this plant either through direct seeding or transplanting. When cultivating through direct seeding, sow the seeds in late fall and winter, while for transplanting, start the seeds indoors during early spring. Transplant the seedlings when they reach a height of two inches. Diabolic Onion prefers a spot with full sun exposure, so avoid shady areas.Watering Needs
Diabolic Onion has moderate water requirements, and it can tolerate drought-like situations once it's established. When watering, ensure that you only water the soil and not the foliage or bulb. Overwatering may lead to fungal diseases like bulb rot, and under-watering may result in stunted growth, and the foliage may die. A recommended option is to water deeply once a week, or more frequently if the top layer of soil feels dry.Fertilization
Fertilizing the Diabolic Onion is essential for proper plant growth and development. You should apply a balanced fertilizer containing an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply fertilizers before planting and every six weeks during the growing season. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers since they can encourage foliage growth, leading to less bulb formation.Pruning
Pruning of the Diabolic Onion involves removing the dead foliage and flower head. For a neat appearance, cut back the foliage to the ground level after it dries out. The flower heads can serve an ornamental purpose, and you can leave them on the plant even after they dry out. However, if you decide to remove the flower heads, cut them back to the stem's base.Propagation of Allium fimbriatum S. Wats. var. diabolense Ownbey & Aase
Allium fimbriatum S. Wats. var. diabolense Ownbey & Aase, commonly known as the devil's onion, can be propagated through seeds, bulbs, and offsets. Here's a detailed look at the plant's propagation methods:
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Allium fimbriatum S. Wats. var. diabolense can be sown in a well-draining seed-starting mix in early spring. The seeds require a period of cold stratification, which can be achieved by chilling them in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks before sowing. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/4 inch, and the soil should be kept moderately moist until germination. Germination usually occurs within 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their second set of leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation through Bulbs
Allium fimbriatum S. Wats. var. diabolense can also be propagated through bulbs. The bulbs should be planted in the fall, at a depth of 3-4 inches and a distance of 4-6 inches apart. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. The bulbs should be watered regularly until the foliage dies back in the late spring or early summer. At this point, the bulbs can be dug up and divided. The divisions can then be replanted immediately.
Propagation through Offsets
Allium fimbriatum S. Wats. var. diabolense produces offsets, or small bulbs, that can be used for propagation. The offsets can be detached from the parent bulb in the fall, when the foliage has died back. They should be planted immediately, at a depth of 2-3 inches and a distance of 3-4 inches apart. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. The offsets should be watered regularly until they become established.
Disease management
Allium fimbriatum var. diabolense is susceptible to some common plant diseases, including:
- Fusarium basal rot: This fungal disease causes the plant to wilt, and the bulbs may rot. Treatment involves removing infected plant parts and treating with fungicides. To manage the disease, it is best to avoid planting Allium fimbriatum var. diabolense in soil where infected plants have been grown in the past.
- Botrytis leaf blight: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks plant leaves, causing them to turn brown and develop small sunken spots. The fungus can also attack the flowers and bulbs. To manage the disease, remove infected plant parts and treat with fungicides. It is also important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
- White rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the plant's roots and bulbs, causing them to rot. The plant may wilt and die. Treatment involves removing infected plant parts and treating with fungicides. To manage the disease, avoid planting Allium fimbriatum var. diabolense in soil where infected plants have been grown in the past.
Pest management
Allium fimbriatum var. diabolense can also be affected by pests. Common pests that may attack the plant include:
- Thrips: These small insects can damage the plant's flowers and leaves, causing them to curl and distort. Treatment involves removing infected plant parts and using insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage the infestation.
- Wireworms: These insects feed on the plant's bulbs and roots, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage the infestation, remove infected bulbs and treat the soil with insecticides.
- Onion maggots: These pests lay their eggs in the soil around the plant, and the larvae can damage the roots and bulbs. To manage the infestation, use insecticides and cover the plants with insect netting to prevent them from laying eggs in the soil.
