Dividing a 12-Year-Old Onion Plant (Allium)

Mature Allium species produce clusters of small bulblets around the parent bulb. The best time to separate them is after flowering, when foliage begins to yellow (typically early summer).

Division Steps

1. Dig up the entire clump.
2. Gently separate bulblets where they attach to the main bulb.
3. Replant bulblets pointy-side up, 4–6 inches deep, spaced 8–12 inches apart.
4. First-year bulblets usually produce only leaves; flowers appear the following year.

Your climate determines exact timing. In southern NJ, division is done in June. Adjust for your region. A photo would help confirm the exact species.