Climbing Onion - Bowiea volubilis Seeds

Bowiea volubilis Seeds

Common Name: Climbing Onion

The Bowiea volubilis is an interesting plant (although not quite beautiful). The bulb is pale green and grows half buried in the soil. Each year it develops new branched stems that somewhat make it look like an elongated asparagus. There are no leaves except for a small quantity of scales that drop rapidly. Soon, a lot of greenish flowers are produced followed by seeds.

Frost Tolerance: Keep above 50 °F (10°C)

Heat Tolerance: Protect from heat in summer in Phoenix

Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sun, keep bulb shaded

Origin: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania

Growth Habits: Perennial bulb, The bulb can reach 10 inches (25 cm), the stem can reach 8 feet (2.5 m)

Watering Needs: Stop gradually watering when the stalk dries out after blooming, in summer. Start watering when the stalk starts growing again in the fall.