Sea onion (Drimia maritima)

Product description

The sea onion is a bulbous plant native to the Mediterranean region. In nature it grows along dry, rocky coasts and hillsides of Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Despite its name it can also be commonly found more inland. The plant is known for its very large bulb, which is often above the soil surface.

The plant is summer dormant due to the dry season and therefore produces its long, green leaves in winter or early spring. These leaves die back in summer, after which a tall, leafless flower stalk appears in early autumn. The appearance of this flower is so consistent that it means the autumn has come. This stalk can reach 1 to 1.5 meters in height and carries many small, white, star-shaped flowers. These flowers are pollinated by insects as well as the wind, a rare occurrence in plants. After flowering, seeds are formed in small green fruits. After drying, the fruits open and the seeds are dispersed by wind. 

Historically, sea onion has been used as a rodent deterrent. There were some breeding efforts to make a highly toxic cultivar to be commercially used as a rat poison due to a growing resistance against current rat poisons. 

Due to the adaptation to a dry summer, the plant should be kept dry in the summer months and it is natural that it loses its leaves. A sunny spot is preferred, however it can be grown in shade as well. The bulb is frost sensitive, so in colder climates it is best grown in a pot and protected from frost.

Sowing description: Sow the seeds on the surface of well-drained sowing soil and lightly press them in without covering. Keep the soil slightly moist and place the seeds in a warm, bright location. Germination usually occurs at temperatures around 18–22 degrees Celsius.