Allium cernuum (Nodding Onion) flower Seeds

Allium cernuum — Nodding Onion or Nodding Pink Onion — is a charming native US wildflower with distinctive nodding pink flower clusters that bloom from late spring through summer. The nodding stems and delicate bell-shaped blossoms in shades of pink (occasionally white) are easy to identify in any garden or meadow setting. Both flowers and grass-like leaves carry a light onion scent. Perfectly suited to rock gardens, dry woodlands, prairie plantings, and naturalized settings — a reliable plant for challenging, dry sites where other plants struggle. Self-seeding; will naturalize over time. Deer resistant. USDA Zones 3–9. ~8,000 seeds per ounce.

Plant Highlights

• Distinctive nodding pink flower clusters on graceful stems — late spring through summer
• Native to the US — thrives in rocky areas, dry woodlands, gravel, ledges, and prairie land
• Attracts butterflies; onion-scented flowers and foliage
• Self-seeding — naturalizes readily; deadhead to prevent spreading if not desired
• Drought tolerant once established; survives in challenging, dry sites
• Deer resistant
• Height: 12–18 inches | USDA Zones 3–9

Sowing Guide

Depth: 1/8 inch deep.

Light: Light required for germination.

Germination: 56–70 days at 64–72°F. Keep consistently moist until germination occurs.

Spacing: 12 inches apart. Sowing rate: 6 seeds per plant.

Seeds per ounce: ~8,000.

Care Guide

Light: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained; pH 6.6–7.5. Tolerates dry, rocky, and poor soils once established.

Self-seeding: Plants naturalize by self-seeding. Deadhead spent flowers if spread is not desired in your planting.

Maintenance: Very low once established. Excellent in rockeries, naturalized meadows, alongside trees and through carex foliage, and in sunny rock gardens.

Planting Specs

• Common name: Nodding Onion, Nodding Pink Onion
• Botanical name: Allium cernuum
• Type: Native US perennial wildflower
• Bloom: Pink (occasionally white) nodding bell-shaped clusters
• Bloom time: Late spring through summer
• Height: 12–18 inches | Spacing: 12 inches
• USDA Zones: 3–9
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained; pH 6.6–7.5
• Deer resistant: Yes | Self-seeding: Yes | Drought tolerant: Yes
• Attracts: Butterflies
• Sowing depth: 1/8 inch | Germ: 56–70 days at 64–72°F | Rate: 6 seeds per plant
• Seeds per oz: ~8,000