Albuca bracteata, Pregnant onion, False sea onion, German onion, rare, 20 fresh seeds

Albuca bracteata species is native to South Africa (Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal). It occurs in forests, forest margins, closed woodland, and sheltered slopes.

Syn. Eliokarmos caudatum, Fenelonia bracteata, Loncomelos caudatum, Ornithogalum bracteatum, Ornithogalum caudatum, Ornithogalum longebracteatum, Ornithogalum massonii, Ornithogalum scilloides, Stellarioides longebracteata, Urginea mouretii, Urophyllon caudatum

Albuca bracteata is a bulbous geophyte that can be planted with the top of the bulb above ground, exposing the adventitious bulblets produced on the outermost scale throughout the year. It also produces drooping green leaves. The bulb is smooth, globose to ovoid, up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, and resembles an onion. The leaves are semi-succulent and grow up to 3.3 feet (100 cm) long and up to 2 inches (5 cm) wide. Flowers are white with a broad, green central band and appear in a dense raceme in spring and summer. Fruits are globose to ovate, up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long, and up to 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in diameter.
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

Albucas require sandy, loose soil in full to partial sun to produce their characteristic blooms. The plants can grow 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) tall with a slightly smaller width. Good cultivation encourages the removal of the bulb from the outdoors in zones with frost. They are not frost-hardy, and cold temperatures can damage the bulb.

These South African natives look particularly attractive in rock gardens, slopes, and even containers. The biggest requirement for Albuca care is superior drainage. The regions to which they are native are not known for consistent moisture, which means it is drought tolerant once established. Consistent watering at planting is necessary to mimic the rainy season, but after that, light watering is essential when caring for Albuca.

Fertilize Albucas annually at installation and in the early spring with good all-purpose bulb food. Cut back spent foliage after it yellows and begins to wilt.

©https://worldofsucculents.com

Germination method
Unfortunately, there’s not much information regarding propagation Albuca B. by seeds. According to Norman C. Deno (2nd supplement to Seed germination theory and practice) studied Albuca species germinate at 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the dark. Recommended propagation time is spring and autumn. 

From my own experience the seeds placed on wet tissue and stored at +20°C in the dark (i.e. covered with another tissue) started to germinate as soon as after 5 days and during 2 weeks most of the seeds germinated.
Seeds were transfered to the pots/trays with spacing 1.5-2cm in well draining mix prevoiusly moistened (seed starting medium + sand/perlite 1:1 ratio) and covered lightly with peat.

Experiment took place in March 2023.

Keep the soil reasonable moist but not soggy.
Replant into individual pots as the seedlings are big enough to handle.
Once the plant is established it produces multiple bulblets which can be easily separated and transplanted into individual pots.