Onionweed
Asphodelus fistulosus
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Pl. 85F8 — Asphodelus fistulosus
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IOverview
Overview
Onionweed (Asphodelus fistulosus) is a perennial forb or herb native to the Mediterranean region and some nearby areas like Turkey, Greece, and parts of North Africa. It thrives in light and medium soil that is dry to moist, with an optimal pH between 7 and 7.5. The plant can grow up to 0.6 meters tall and is known for its edible leaves and roots, making it a useful addition to the diet in its native range. Its adaptability to various habitats across its wide distribution makes onionweed a resilient species in diverse environments. One distinctive feature of this plant is its light: 8/10 rating, indicating its preference for well-drained soil conditions.
Quick answers
What is Onionweed?
Onionweed (Asphodelus fistulosus) is a perennial forb or herb native to the Mediterranean region and some nearby areas like Turkey, Greece, and parts of North Africa. It thrives in light and medium soil that is dry to moist, with an optimal pH between 7 and 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Onionweed (Asphodelus fistulosus) thrives in well-drained to moist soils with a pH of 7-7.5 and prefers light (sandy) or medium soil types. It is hardy in temperate regions, tolerating zones 7-10. This perennial plant requires full sun to partial shade and should be watered regularly but avoid overwatering as it dislikes wet conditions. For propagation, sow seeds directly where they will grow or divide established plants in spring or fall. Harvest the edible leaves and roots when needed, ensuring the soil is moist enough for optimal growth.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
7-10
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Onionweed for the first time
8steps
Begin by planting Onionweed in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and you'll have a rewarding experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a garden fork, a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy) to medium. Ensure the pH is between 7-7.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground, covering them lightly. Alternatively, plant young plants about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during germination and early growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain a neat appearance, but avoid cutting back too much as it may affect growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to mulch.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: Onionweed (Asphodelus fistulosus) is both an annual and perennial plant found in various Mediterranean regions. Its leaves and roots are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, while the roots are typically dug up and prepared by boiling before consumption. The plant thrives in light to medium soil with a pH of 7–7.5.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe7 regions
native (7)AlbaniaCyprusFranceGreeceItalyPortugalSpain
Asia4 regions
native (4)OmanPalestineSaudi ArabiaTurkey
Africa6 regions
native (6)AlgeriaCabo VerdeLibyaMauritiusMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Lebanon-Syria, Sinai, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia, East Aegean Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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