A tasty bushfood used by Wurundjeri People, this tuberous vegetable plant has edible tubers and seeds which can be roasted before eating.

The Bush Onion goes by Native Leek, Wild Onion and Bulbine Lily, and while the seeds can be used similar to fennel seeds, the leaves are NOT to be eaten. The tubers are sweet-ish with a mild-onion flavour, and take a few years before they are ready to be harvested.

Found across the wetter areas of South-East Australia, the bright yellow flowers make a great addition to gardens and can be used in pots. When not watered well, the leaves die, but when enough rain arrives, the tuber shoots up new growth.

Climate Zones: Temperate, Sub-Tropical, Tropical, Arid, Cool

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Light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It grow best in full sun but can also thrive in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Bush Onion prefers moist conditions. It will thrive both under the full glare of the sun or in a semi-shaded position. Native across most of the wetter regions of South-East Australia, it can be grown in wet, well-draining soil. In times of stress, the shoots die down and return when conditions improve; a true survivor, this one! They are a perennial species that do best in nutrient-rich soil with low phosphorus. Fertilize in spring with native fertiliser.

The Bush Onion is also known as Native Leek, Wild Onion and Bulbine Lily, and whilst the seeds can be used similar to fennel seeds, the leaves are NOT to be edible. The tubers are glacé but with a mild-onion flavour. Bush Onion takes a few years to mature. This tuberous vegetable plant has edible tubers and seeds which can be roasted before eating.