Meadow Garlic Bulbils

Meadow Garlic Bulbils - Allium canadense - Canada Onion, Canadian Onion

Allium canadense
Canada Onion, Canadian Onion

Hardy to Zone 3
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Germination Tested N/A

5-50 bulbils per packet

$5.50 CAD

Sale Sold out

Select the number of bulbils 10 Bulbils 20 Bulbils 50 Bulbils

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Expected to restock in Fall 2025.

Meadow garlic is a wild allium native to Eastern North America. The underground bulbs, leaves, and topset bulbils are all edible. The flavour is like a cross between onion and garlic, somewhat similar to the more popular Ramps, although way easier to grow and propagate!

Plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil, although some shade is ok too. The plants will multiple from the base, as well as by the topset bulbils, so you can quickly establish a large patch.

Harvest the underground bulbs almost any time of year, and the chive-like leaves from spring to fall. The bulbs are small, so are best used whole in broths, or they could be pickled like pearl onions.

The topsets and flowers on these plants are delightful- they are kind of like a smaller, native version of Egyptian Walking Onions with pink flowers! Meadow garlic grows about 1-2 feet tall.

Bulbils can be planted anytime from fall to early spring, either direct sown or planted in pots and carefully transplanted. Sow about about 1/4 inch deep, 3-6 inches apart.

Growing Instructions

Bulbs are best planted in the fall before the soil is consistently frozen. If you live in a mild area, you may be able to plant almost throughout the winter. If you live in a very cold climate, you can try waiting until spring, and keep the bulbils in a dark, dry place with good airflow. Keep an eye on them, and if they start to go bad or sprout a lot, try planting them in a pot inside, and transplant them outside in spring. Some people say to keep the bulbils in the fridge, so do your own research on what you feel is best. I've had bulbils last at room temperature for a year just fine, but your conditions may be different than mine.

Bulbils can be planted about 2-3 inches apart or farther if you've got the room. They will multiply from the base over time, as well as by fallen bulbils, but they don't mind being crowded. Smaller bulbs can be planted closer together and larger ones given more space.

The bulbils will send out roots and little green leaves that look like green onions. The base will swell a little into a slender bulb, and the leaves will get taller. In the summer they will grow stronger stalks that grow bulbils on the ends. If left alone, the stalks with bulbils will fall over and likely sprout if the soil is moist- or you can cut the bulbils off once their stalk starts to die back and plant them elsewhere.

Shipping & Returns

We ship seeds via Canada Post within Canada for $6 to $8 depending on weight, and Internationally for a flat rate of $20*. Shipping costs to the US will include the cost of a phytosanitary inspection and certificate, as well as tariffs.

Live plants, bulbs, and bulbils can only be shipped within Canada.

Shipping fees listed here are in Canadian dollars, and may change without notice.

Shipping in Canada

We ship seeds in Canada via regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-3 weeks to arrive once we fulfill your order, but occasionally orders take longer, especially to the Eastern provinces and rural areas.

Customers can now opt for tracked, express shipping options at checkout if you require faster delivery.

Larger bulbs and plants are sent via tracked flat rate box.

Shipping to the US

Shipping charges to the US will also now include a government phytosanitary inspection and certificate. This will be bundled into the shipping cost. We ship via Canada Post, and any applicable duties will be calculated at checkout. So far (as of Sept 1, 2025), it's looking like there are no duties charged on seeds.

Please expect delays for US shipping, as during busy times it can take up to 2 weeks for us to book a phytosanitary inspection.

Shipping Internationally

International customers can select tracked or untracked shipping at checkout. The package will list the contents as "Garden Seeds". It is your responsibility to ensure you have the required import permit. We are not able to send any live plant materials internationally. Cicada Seeds will not be responsible for any orders held or confiscated by customs, or for any additional duties or tariffs placed on your order.

International shipping countries include: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.

This list may change without notice. Sometimes Canada Post will not allow us to ship to certain countries due to wars or natural disasters, see this page for delivery service alerts: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/service-alerts.page

Please reach out if your country is not on this list, email us and we will try to arrange an alternate shipping option.