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Persian onion

How to identify Persian onion (Allium aflatunense)

Persian onion

Persian onion reaches a stature of 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall with striking spherical clusters of flowers perched atop sturdy, leafless stems. These floral umbels, with numerous individual blooms, appear in a synchronous display after the spring bulbs have retreated, signaling the onset of early summer. The bloom period persists for 2-3 weeks, with flowers emanating a distinct aroma akin to onions or garlic. Persian onion's blossoms are a popular choice for cutting, contributing their unique scent and spherical form to floral arrangements.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Persian onion

1

Basal rosette of strap-like green leaves, up to 12 inches (30 cm) long.

2

Erect leafless stems, 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall, smooth and hollow with distinct ribbing.

3

Striking spherical clusters of small purple star-shaped flowers with onion-like aroma.

4

Flowers in clusters 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) across, vibrant for 2-3 weeks.

5

Distinctive scent resembling garlic or onions, popular cut flower for unique aroma.

Detailed Traits of Persian onion

Leaf Features

The leaves of persian onion are basal, strap-like, and green. They typically emerge from the base of the plant, forming a rosette. The leaves can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width. They have a smooth texture and a bright, vibrant green color, with parallel veins running their length. The margins are smooth and entire, offering a neatly edged appearance. The overall shape of the leaves is elongated and somewhat linear.

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Flower Features

Persian onion features small, star-shaped, purple flowers, each with six distinct petals. These flowers are arranged in spherical clusters measuring 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) across. Blooming in May, the flowers release a garlic or onion-like aroma and stay vibrant for 2-3 weeks. They make excellent cut flowers due to their striking appearance and lasting freshness. The naked stem enhances the visual impact of the dense flower clusters, making persian onion easily identifiable.

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Stem Features

The stem of persian onion features hollow, slightly ribbed, green scapes that stand erect and are leafless. These cylindrical stems are smooth to the touch and typically measure about 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in height. Each stem lacks branching, resulting in a solitary, clean line. The texture is firm and robust, making it suitable to support the plant’s large inflorescence. The distinct ribbing and hollow nature are key identifying features.

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Persian onion and Their Similar Plants

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Garlic vs. Persian onion: What's The Difference?
Garlic (Allium sativum) is an extremely popular garden plant because of its use for flavoring dishes, as well as its ease of care and growth. It is traditionally planted in autumn and harvested in mid-summer. This plant is also called the stinking rose, and it is useful as an insect repellent in gardens. Garlic is important to Korean creation myths, and is believed to ward off vampires and other spirits in European folklore.
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Giant onion vs. Persian onion: What's The Difference?
Giant onion, Allium giganteum, or ornamental onion, is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family. This hardy perennial grows large purple clusters of tiny florets. It’s the largest of the ornamental onions, and although it produces onion-like fragrances, it is not grown for consumption.
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Onion vs. Persian onion: What's The Difference?
Onion (Allium cepa) is an onion species commonly known for its ubiquitous culinary applications. The onion is toxic to a variety of animals. Aside from its many culinary uses, the onion is often used to teach students how to use a microscope because its cells are very large and easy to visualize.
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Chives vs. Persian onion: What's The Difference?
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) is a herbaceous plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Slightly spicy to the taste, chives are commonly used to flavor foods throughout the globe (especially in Europe). In gardens, the growing plants can act as pest repellents.
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Wild garlic vs. Persian onion: What's The Difference?
While Allium vineale is a type of garlic, it is generally not accepted as a substitute for garlic as it has a rather unpleasant aftertaste. Additionally, it is considered to be invasive, as it can taint grain with the flavor of garlic. It is usually resistant to most herbicides.
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Garlic chives vs. Persian onion: What's The Difference?
The garlic chives is a plant that is grown for multiple uses. It can be cultivated as an ornamental, or harvested to season food, either dried or fresh. When used in cooking, many recipes substitute garlic chives for garlic and even onion to give added flavor to the dish.
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Broadleaf wild leek vs. Persian onion: What's The Difference?
The Allium ampeloprasum is from the onion genus and grows a variety of vegetables, of which the most commonly known are leeks, pearl onions, salad leek, Persian leek, and elephant garlic.
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Round-headed leek vs. Persian onion: What's The Difference?
Round-headed leek (Allium sphaerocephalon) is a perennial found throughout Europe northern Africa and western Asia. The large round "head" that blooms in summer is actually made up of hundreds of small purple flowers. Its popularity among gardeners has resulted in many subspecies and a range of local names.
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Key Facts About Persian onion

Attributes of Persian onion
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
90 cm
Flower Color
Purple
Pink
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Persian onion

Family
Amaryllis
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Genus
Onions
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Species
Persian onion (Allium aflatunense)
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