Effect of bulb planting date on seed yield and flowering characteristics of Allium stipitatum in Balkh province, Afghanistan

Allium stipitatum, a perennial plant native to northern Afghanistan and Central Asia, is widely used for its medicinal and nutritional benefits. To evaluate its cultivation potential, a field trial was conducted in Balkh province to assess the influence of planting time on seed yield and agro-morphological traits. Bulbs collected from the Charkent and Marmul mountains were planted in January, February, and March 2018 in a randomized design. Results demonstrated that February planting led to the highest seed yield (10.1 g per plant) and superior seed quality, with significant improvements in scape height, inflorescence size, and thousand kernel weight. January and March plantings showed delayed growth and reduced yields. February is thus recommended as the optimal planting time under northern Afghan conditions. Further research is needed to explore the effects of temperature, day length, and bulb size on flowering and seed production for enhanced cultivation strategies.