Egyptian Walking Onion (2 oz)

Planting: Plant in a dedicated bed, since they are perennials or in containers. Individual bulbs can be planted about 1-2” deep, in well-drained soil, in full sun. If soil does not drain well, plant in raised beds or hills. Space bulbs about 10-12 inches apart and rows 2’ apart. Fall is the optimal planting time. Mulch with 4-8 inches of straw, making sure to remove or reduce thickness in spring.

Development of Topsets: A dominant stock will develop and a cluster of bulblets or bulbils, form at the top, thus the name Topsets. This stage is called the Candlestick Stage. Topsets are enclosed in a white papery skin. The topsets can breakthrough the papery skin as they grow and develop leaves. Note: Not all plants will develop topsets during their first year of growth.

Topset Stage: Topsets can be removed and planted or allowed to continue to develop on the stalk. The topsets reach maturity in the late summer. Some may develop a second stalk and develop a cluster on top. If you want bigger bulbs to develop, then remove the topsets. Flowers can develop among the topsets, especially on older plants or on crowded plants. When the topsets get heavy, their stalk will bend over and if the soil conditions are right, the topset can develop roots and grow into new plants.

Harvesting: Yield is light the first year. Second year it will be much larger. Topsets can be harvested and eaten or planted for next year’s plants. The clump of onions that develop are similar size to shallots. One plant can develop up to 6 onions or 6 new plants. Harvest fall through winter. If you do not harvest your onions, they will grow back the following year, producing an even larger clump. When harvesting, make sure to leave some in the ground to continue growing or save some for replanting. The green leaves can be harvested and used as scallions, making sure not to remove the topset stalk.