It’s been one week since I tucked my allium seeds into plastic bags to see how they would germinate. The results are not surprising for some.

My Red Of Florence, a red bulbing onion from Johnny’s seed had the poorest test.  Out of ten seeds, I had one sure sprout, one that looked like it was just emerging, and one that apparently emerged and promptly turned into goo.   Too bad, because there are about 250 seeds in this packet.  These will be tossed.

My American Flag Leeks were the second poorest.  These are old seeds- packed for 2007, and were Wal-Mart seed of all things. I had 4 sure sprouts, and if I was short on leek seeds, I would probably keep them and just sow them heavily.  But since I have other leek seeds, these will be tossed as well.

My Ishikura bunching onions from Johnny’s gave me a 50% test.  I will keep and sow these because they are tasty and dependable.  AND when I went to order some new seed, they were out, so I want to get what I can out of them.  I’ve never let a scallion go to seed before, this may be a first time for that.

The Tadorna Leek seed from Johnny’s was packed for 2009, so they are a few years old.  I have a germination rate of 60%, and considering that the packet actually says 75% germination, that’s not a bad rate of deline over a few years.  I will sow these seeds, as it will be nice to have a variety of leeks growing.

And finally, the surprise of the bunch.  My Evergreen Long white bunching onion.  These are a Burpee seed, and packed for 2007.  I got 8 out of 10 seeds to sprout.  It’s funny, because I was just going to throw this packet out, but this goes to show that you just never know.  While these aren’t my favorite green onion, I will still sow them.  That means I’ll have three varieties of scallion in my garden.

I’ll admit, the sprouts got me excited! Sprouting seeds! It’s almost time! Next week I need to get the first phase of my light set-up arranged, and I also need to clean off the fridge.  My plan is to begin with the alliums.  I will sow them in cell-packs with a clear plastic lid, and set them on top of the fridge to germinate. It’s a little warmer up there, which is what you need to get sprouts.  Once they’ve sprouted, they’ll move to the basement grow station, and then I will wait to repeat the process in February with some brassicas.  Ah, gardening.  I love it.