Overwintered Alliums from Around the World

Today it was time to harvest the overwintered alliums.  After a dry spell we are forecast some rain every day for the rest of the week.  Perhaps I should not be as surprised that the homegrown variety performed so well.  This is Doocot with parentage grown in Elgin, Scotland (not far from Inverness).  Sold as "really garlicky garlic" I couldn't resist locally sourced stock.

Scottish grown 'Doocot' 

Originating from the other side of the world Shenshu Yellow is a proven overwinter performer. 

Japanese onion variety Shenshu Yellow

 Our elephant garlic is another proven performer.  We keep our own cloves for planting each year.  This must be about 8 generations down from the first (single) clove we bought.

Elephant Garlic = African or Indian?

 It must be noted that we have more uncloven bulbs than usual this year, probably down to the mild winter.

Last but not least is the Early Purple Wight.  Some good bulbs, some showing signs of rot.

Early Purple from the Isle of  Wight 

I have to point out that I consider it an achievement to get an allium harvest at all in Edinburgh.  Every row has some gaps and despite adding a handful of sand per clove when planting some succumb to rot.  But this year it has been worth it!