Ornithogalum caudatum Seeds | Sea Onion
LATIN NAME: Ornithogalum caudatum
COMMON NAME: Sea Onion
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Sea Onion (Ornithogalum caudatum) stands out as a bulb. Sea onion towers broad, strap-shaped leaves with dense cluster of small, white, green-striped flowers through late spring, huge, pale bulb sitting above soil, and the whole plant carrying the curious, succulent look of the old windowsill bulbs. Bulb grows large and long-lived, and flowers rise on tall, sturdy stalk. Plant has served old remedies for generations, and it rewards grower with endless, undemanding growth. It is hard to name another plant that gives this much for this little trouble.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Ornithogalum caudatum ranges from the botany of the Ornithogalum group to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Sea onion holds a curious place in studies of bulbous plants and old medicinal bulbs, and large, long-lived bulb has kept botanists interested for generations. In practice, its long garden history means the grower inherits a plant of known and dependable habits.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Sea Onion for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. On bright windowsill or in conservatory, sea onion keeps interest for the decades. Huge, pale bulb and tall flower stalk give plant its curiosity, old herbal uses give it long history, and flowers draw passing insects. It asks for little care and grows well in gritty, well-drained pot in bright light. Getting it going is easy; keeping it going is easier still.
Star of Bethlehem bulbs are charming spring flowers and seriously toxic; they belong in the border, never the kitchen.
Growing from Seed
Sea Onion is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Fill a pot with a light seed compost, sow evenly on the surface, cover thinly and stand it somewhere warm, bright and evenly moist. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
It is a solid representative of the Ornithogalum group, true to type from seed. What it needs is basic: sun, drainage, and a little patience while it establishes.
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