Ramps are a wild leek
with a strong onion, or garlicky shallot flavor. Its leaves are
broader than garlic, chives, or cultivated onions.
"Ramps are not for ladies or those who court
them,"
"The Easter Onion," a poem by Johnny
Russell: "Years gone by, still they gather/Tribute to a heritage,
gloried past/Easter onions, in Appalachia called ramps/Family,
friends, people from far and wide."
These are also called wild leeks or Allium tricoccum
or Tennessee Truffle.
Although ramp seeds can be sown anytime the soil
is not frozen, late summer to early fall is usually considered
the best time for seeding ramps. The seed requires a warm, moist
period to break root dormancy and a subsequent cold period to
break shoot dormancy. Some years there is enough warm weather
after sowing in late summer or early fall to break root dormancy.
The following winter cold breaks shoot dormancy and the plants
emerge in spring. If there is not an adequate warm period after
sowing, the seed will not germinate until the second spring. Thus,
ramp seeds can take 6 to 18 months to germinate.
To plant under a forested canopy, rake back the
leaves on the forest floor, removing any unwanted weeds, tree
sprouts, or roots. If the soil is not naturally high in organic
matter, add organic materials such as composted leaves and other
decaying plant material from the forest. Loosen the soil and rake
to prepare a fine seed bed. Sow seeds thinly on top of the ground
pressing them gently into the soil. Cover seeds with several inches
of leaves to retain moisture in the soil and to protect the seeds
from wildlife. In a field site under artificial shade, add organic
matter if needed, till the soil, sow the seeds, and cover with
composted leaves or other similar natural materials.
Many growers prefer planting bulbs or young plants
instead of sowing seeds. Since germination of the seed can take
up to 18 months, transplants and bulbs can be a good alternative
for the beginning ramp grower. Planting large bulbs (> 1/2"
diameter) can provide harvestable ramps within 2 to 3 years. Bulbs
can be purchased in February and March or dug for transplanting
between September and March, with February to mid March being
the best time. March is the best time for transplanting young
plants. If bulbs are to be dug for transplanting, once the ground
has thawed gently dig the ramps, taking great care not to damage
the roots or bulbs. In a prepared planting bed (see direct seeding),
transplant the bulbs approximately 3 inches deep, and 4 to 6 inches
apart, allowing all the roots to be buried and keeping just the
very tip of the bulb above the surface. Planting bulbs at the
proper depth is important for survival. Transplant leafed-out
plants at the same depth they had been growing and space 4 to
6 inches apart. If space is limited, clumps of 4 or 5 plants can
be grouped together. Mulch the planting bed with at least 2 to
3 inches of leaf litter.
To clean ramps, peel off
the outer skin, then trim off and discard roots. Wash under cold
running water to rinse away any dirt and grit clinging to the
bulbs or leaves.
