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Post by tbird on Apr 6, 2025 12:28:45 GMT -5
Hey all!
I am super late to start again this year, and I was so psyched! Work has been out of control, and have had a family member in and out of the hospital for the past few months and giving a lot of support there.
Anyhoo!
As usual, when I don't take care of the garden, the garden takes care of me!
I planted some store bought ramps under some tree/bushes last fall, and one has made the transfer! I won't even think of harvesting unless there are a lot, but if this is the only one coming through, will not havest for quite a few years.
Does anyone know if they multiply underground, or only via seeds?
Anyway - super excited to see this little success.
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Post by tbird on Apr 6, 2025 12:30:38 GMT -5
AI Overview
Yes, ramps (Allium tricoccum, also known as wild leeks) spread both through seeds and by underground bulbs that split and form new plants, often resulting in dense patches or colonies.
AI says yes!
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Post by reuben on Apr 6, 2025 13:00:49 GMT -5
I've started to try to grow them in the woods at my new place (someday I'll stop calling it "my new place"). I planted both seeds and bulbs in a few areas last year, and hope to harvest some in a few years if I'm lucky. If I remember correctly, they don't like acidic soil (think pine needles), and prefer deciduous forests. They like low to medium levels moisture on a relatively constant basis - think partial/mostly shade. So assuming that you're in the northern hemisphere, planting on a northern slope is beneficial, but not absolutely necessary. I mean, plants will do their best, not matter how poorly we treat them, but it pays to give them what they want as best that we can. They have about an 8 year cycle, adding one layer per year to the small bulb. They'll put up shoots every year, which can be harvested and eaten without killing the bulb. Harvesting the bulb is obviously the end of the plant. They've long been a staple in Appalachia. Ramps were one of the first FRESH spring plants which could be eaten without resorting to the potatos, turnips, and other winter inhabitants of root cellars which kept people alive over the cold dark months in the hills. Remember root cellars? They were great! Some of our Appalachian members may have more info, even if it's completely anecdotal and passed down verbally for generations without the internet, the cloud, AI, or memes.  Try these. rampfarm.com/rampfarm.com/products/having-your-ramps-and-eating-them-tooextension.unh.edu/blog/2020/01/it-possible-grow-ramps-garden |
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Post by tbird on Apr 6, 2025 13:17:33 GMT -5
good info, thanks ruben!
no slopes in chicago, but once the tree leafs out the area is shady, possibly complete shade by mid summer.
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Post by tbird on Apr 6, 2025 13:19:55 GMT -5
i like the maple/ramps product combo in the first link! incidentally, the tree under which I planted is a sugar maple.  |
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Post by reuben on Apr 6, 2025 13:21:57 GMT -5
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Post by tbird on Apr 6, 2025 13:25:06 GMT -5
more ai:
Yes, ramp flowers are capable of self-fertilization, and ramp seeds are dispersed primarily by gravity, though other insects and animals can also contribute to dispersal.
so I have one, will leave it be and see how it gets on the next few years with dividing and seed spreading.
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Post by breezygardener on Apr 6, 2025 13:43:29 GMT -5
If you don't have your own patch or live in an area where Ramps can be responsibly harvested, there are a number of vendors on Etsy that sell them - both for planting & for eating. I bought both Ramps & Fiddleheads last year from Etsy sources, & they were delicious!
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Post by emmsmommy on Apr 6, 2025 20:47:02 GMT -5
My little ramp patch is slowly multiplying. I only harvest a few leaves every year.
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Ramps!
Apr 7, 2025 16:24:29 GMT -5
Post by lilolpeapicker on Apr 7, 2025 16:24:29 GMT -5
Never had heard of them before
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Post by breezygardener on Apr 7, 2025 17:59:46 GMT -5
Never had heard of them before They're yet another delightful rite of Spring - so long as they come from responsible sources. While personal tastes differ, I find them to have a mild garlic/onion flavor that is delicious when folded into an omelets or sauteed to top a steak. |
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Ramps!
Apr 7, 2025 21:21:14 GMT -5
Post by desertwoman on Apr 7, 2025 21:21:14 GMT -5
Except for reuben, 's post last Fall I had not heard of them either. Are they tasty? |
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Ramps!
Apr 7, 2025 22:31:00 GMT -5
Post by breezygardener on Apr 7, 2025 22:31:00 GMT -5
If you're a garlic/onion fan, definitely!! |
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Post by emmsmommy on Apr 8, 2025 6:38:55 GMT -5
Except for reuben, 's post last Fall I had not heard of them either. Are they tasty? As a kid I wouldn't touch them. As I got older my tastes evolved and I find them enjoyable. However it's a smell that lingers both in the house and on the breath. |
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