Photo: Stefan.lefnaer, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Bulb or tuber
Small yellow onion: when and how to prune
Allium flavum
Small yellow onion is best pruned in August.
| Pruning months | August |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–July |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Small yellow onion: when to prune it?
No pruning is needed. After flowering, in August, cut away the faded heads and the withered leaves.
What else to prune in those months? August
Small yellow onion: how to prune it?
- Cut the flower stems off just above the ground, or leave a few heads for seed.
- Leave the leaves until they are yellow and dry, then pull them away or cut them off short.
- Keep the spot open and free of rampant neighbours so the bulbs get sun.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: August.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Small yellow onion flowers in June–July, when it attracts bees.
Caution: Do not cut the leaves off while they are still green: the bulb needs them to build up its reserves. Small yellow onion is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Small yellow onion · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.