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The history of the Allium Globemaster ®
The Allium Globemaster® originated from a crossbreed between the Allium Christophii and Macleanii.
In 1959, Jan Bijl planted both species next to each eacher with the intention to cross them. There was a bee colony in the vicinity, and these bees made the pollination happen. The seeds from the resulting sorts were first planted in the fall of 1960. In 1964, these seeds (meanwhile they had grown to bulbs) flowered for the first time.
One of the resulting plants immediately stood out because of its nice looking leaves and flower shape. Jan bijl kept this specific bulb isolated and started cultivating it. Unfortunately, the seeds of the Allium Globemaster ® are sterile (infertile). So it would be another 20 years before Mr. Bijl had a marketworthy acreage.
When he applied for plant breeding right, he gave this species the name “Globemaster”. Plant breeding right is like a patent for plants and this would mean that Mr. Bijl would be the only one allowed to cultivate the Allium Globemaster®.
In 1995, the crop became to big for him, and he let the Valkering brothers cultivate it under contract. In 1998, Mr. Bijl had to sell the crop due to health reasons and the Valkering brothers became owner of the crop and its plant variety rights. By now the crop has grown to about 12 hectares (about 30 acres).
Description of the Allium Globemaster ®
The Allium Globemaster® is by far the biggest bulbflower, the flower consists out of roughly 1500 small flowers and has a diameter of about 20cm. The flower colour is purple-violet.
The flowering begins in late May and takes about four weeks. But even after the flowering the plant is still an eyecatcher in the garden. The Globemaster can reach a height of about 90 cm. and is supported by a strong stem that defies every storm.
What makes this Allium so unique is that the leaves stay shiny and green, even during the flowering. It is therefore perfectly suitable as houseplant (most Alliums bloom only when the leaves are withered).
In short, the Allium Globemaster ® is an enrichment of your garden or balcony and you will certainly not be disappointed!
Tips for having a beautiful Globemaster in your garden.
- Dig the Allium out of the ground every year and replant in the fall. This due to illnesses.
- Sprinkle some blood meal on top of the bulbs just after planting. This might increase the size of the flower. Blood meal can be bought at your local garden center.
