A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Egyptian Walking Onions: From Planting to Harvest

Egyptian Walking Onions are a fascinating addition to any organic garden. These unique plants, also known as tree onions or perennial onions, not only provide a bountiful harvest but also offer an intriguing growth habit that captivates gardeners.

Whether you are a beginner gardener, a homesteader, or simply interested in unique onion varieties, this comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know about growing Egyptian Walking Onions, from planting to harvest.

Introduction to Egyptian Walking Onion

Egyptian Walking Onions (Allium × proliferum), also known as tree onions or top-setting onions, are a perennial onion variety known for their unusual propagation method. Unlike traditional onions that reproduce through seeds or sets, Egyptian Walking Onions produce small bulbs, called bulbils, at the top of their stems.

These bulbils eventually become heavy enough to cause the stem to bend and touch the ground, where they take root and grow into new plants. This "walking" characteristic makes them a self-propagating and low-maintenance addition to your vegetable garden. The Egyptian Walking Onion plant, sometimes called tree onions, offers a unique flavor profile that enhances a variety of dishes.

When considering different types of onions for your garden, including the Welsh onion, the distinctive Egyptian Walking Onions taste and their ability to propagate through bulbs in the ground make them an excellent choice.

Brief History, Unique Characteristics, and Benefits of Growing Walking Onion

Egyptian Walking Onions (Allium x proliferum), also known as tree onions or topset onions, have a rich history dating back centuries, with their origins often linked to ancient civilizations.

Unlike other onions, these perennial onions produce unique onion bulbs called bulbils on their flower stalk, which eventually fall and root, creating new plants. This self-propagating nature makes Egyptian Walking Onion plants a low-maintenance addition to any garden. Growing walking onion plants offers numerous benefits, including their resilience to onion thrips and their ability to thrive in various conditions, even as winter onions.

The mature plants, often referred to as mother plants, send up green spikes in late spring, which develop into bulbils and continue the cycle. Compared to other onions like pearl onions or bunching onions, Egyptian onions are planted just an inch deep and require minimal care, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Why Grow Egyptian Walking Onions?

• Perennial Nature: Once established, Egyptian Walking Onions return year after year, providing a continuous supply of onions with minimal effort.
• Unique Growth Habit: Their top-setting bulbs add an interesting visual element to your garden and make for great conversation starters.
• Hardiness: These onions are extremely hardy and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them suitable for a wide range of climates.
• Versatility: Both the bulbs and the green tops are edible, offering culinary versatility.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Selecting the Right Location

Egyptian Walking Onions thrive in well-drained soil and full sunlight. Choose a location in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. These onions can tolerate partial shade, but full sun promotes the best growth and bulb production.

Soil Preparation

1. Test the Soil: Before planting, test your soil to ensure it has a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend the soil with lime if it's too acidic or sulfur if it's too alkaline.
2. Improve Drainage: Ensure good drainage by incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the soil. This improves soil structure and fertility.
3. Remove Weeds: Clear the planting area of weeds and debris to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

Planting Bulbils

1. Timing: The best time to plant Egyptian Walking Onions is in the fall, typically between September and October. This allows the plants to establish roots before winter.
2. Planting Depth: Plant the bulbils about 1 to 2 inches deep and 6 to 8 inches apart. Space rows 12 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and easy access for maintenance.
3. Watering: Water the newly planted bulbils thoroughly to settle the soil and encourage root development.

Planting Sets or Bulbs

If you have mature bulbs or sets, you can plant them in the same manner as the bulbils. Ensure that the top of the bulb is just below the soil surface, and follow the same spacing guidelines.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Watering

Egyptian Walking Onions require regular watering, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.

Fertilizing

• Early Growth: Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring when new growth begins. This provides essential nutrients for strong growth.
• Mid-Season Boost: A side-dressing of compost or well-rotted manure in mid-season can promote healthy bulb and foliage development.

Weeding

Keep the planting area free of weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water. Hand-weeding or using a hoe are effective methods for controlling weeds without damaging the onion plants.

Mulching

Mulching with organic materials such as straw or leaves helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain an even soil temperature. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the plants, being careful not to cover the onion tops.

 

Pests and Disease Management

Egyptian Walking Onions are relatively pest and disease-resistant, but they can occasionally be affected by common onion pests and diseases.

Pests

• Onion Maggots: These pests lay eggs at the base of the plants, and the larvae feed on the roots and bulbs. Use row covers to prevent adult flies from laying eggs and practice crop rotation to disrupt their life cycle.
• Aphids: These small insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by introducing natural predators like ladybugs.

Diseases

• Downy Mildew: This fungal disease causes yellowing and wilting of leaves. Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants appropriately and avoid overhead watering.
• Fusarium Basal Rot: A soil-borne fungus that affects the bulbs. Rotate crops and avoid planting onions in the same spot each year to reduce the risk of infection.

Harvesting Techniques

Harvesting Bulbils

Bulbils can be harvested in late summer when they are fully mature and the stems begin to bend. Gently pull the bulbils from the stems and allow them to dry in a well-ventilated area for a few days before storing.

Harvesting Mature Bulbs

Mature bulbs are ready to harvest when the tops begin to yellow and fall over, typically in late summer to early fall. Carefully lift the bulbs from the soil using a garden fork, being careful not to damage them. Allow the bulbs to cure in a warm, dry place with good air circulation for two to three weeks before storing.

Storing and Preserving the Harvest

Storing Bulbils

After drying, store bulbils in a cool, dry place in mesh bags or breathable containers. Properly stored bulbils can last for several months and be used for planting in the next season.

Storing Bulbs

Cured bulbs can be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. Hang them in mesh bags or braid the tops and hang them in a well-ventilated area. Properly stored bulbs can last for several months and provide a continuous supply of fresh onions.

Culinary Uses and Recipes

Green Tops

The green tops of Egyptian Walking Onions can be used much like scallions or green onions. They add a fresh, oniony flavor to salads, soups, and stir-fries.

Bulbils

Bulbils can be used similarly to garlic or small onions. They are excellent for pickling, roasting, or adding to sauces and stews for a mild onion flavor.

Mature Bulbs

Mature bulbs are versatile and can be used in any recipe that calls for onions. They are particularly delicious when caramelized, roasted, or used as a base for soups and stews.

In Summary

Growing Egyptian Walking Onions is a rewarding experience for gardeners of all levels. Their unique growth habit, perennial nature, and culinary versatility make them a valuable addition to any garden. By following this comprehensive guide, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of these fascinating onions year after year. Whether you are a beginner gardener or a seasoned homesteader, Egyptian Walking Onions offer an easy and intriguing way to diversify your garden and kitchen.

By implementing these tips and techniques, you'll be well on your way to growing healthy, productive Egyptian Walking Onions. Happy gardening!

Enjoy our Egyptian Walking Onions for sale.  We have multiple sizes available.

FAQs: A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Egyptian Walking Onions: From Planting to Harvest

• Q: What are Egyptian Walking Onions?

  • A: Egyptian Walking Onions, also known as perennial onions, are a unique variety of Allium cepa var that produce bulbs called topsets at the top of their stems. These topsets eventually fall and root, creating new plants.

• Q: When is the best time for growing walking onions?

  • A: The best time to plant Egyptian walking onion plants is in late winter or early spring. This allows them to establish before the topsets reach maturity.

• Q: How do I plant Egyptian Walking Onions?

  • A: Plant the underground bulbs or topsets about one inch deep in well-drained soil, preferably in a raised bed. Space each plant to allow room for growth.

• Q: What care do Egyptian Walking Onions need?

  • A: These onions are low-maintenance but should be monitored for issues like bacterial soft rot and Botrytis blight. Regularly remove any damaged green leaves and outer skin to prevent disease.

• Q: How long do Egyptian Walking Onions take to mature?

  • A: It usually takes a few years for one plant to fully establish and produce topsets that mature. Once established, they will continue to propagate annually.

• Q: Can Egyptian Walking Onions be grown alongside other onions?

  • A: Yes, they can be grown with other Allium varieties such as Allium fistulosum (bunching onion), but ensure they have enough space to avoid competition.

• Q: Why should I grow Egyptian Walking Onions?

  • A: If you love onions, growing walking onions is rewarding as they are self-propagating, low-maintenance, and can provide a continuous supply of fresh onions for many years.

Read More

1. University of Minnesota Extension provides a detailed guide on growing Egyptian walking onions, including planting, care, and harvesting tips. The article explains that these onions can be planted in the fall for best results, with bulbs placed 1-2 inches deep and 6 inches apart. It also discusses their unique growth habit of producing bulbils at the top of the stalk, which eventually fall and replant themselves, giving the plant its "walking" characteristic. For more information, visit University of Minnesota Extension.

2. University of Vermont Extension covers questions related to planting onions, including Egyptian walking onions. The article suggests planting the bulbils in the fall and lightly covering them with straw for winter protection. It also advises on the spacing and care needed for optimal growth. The walking onions' resilience and ability to propagate through bulbils are highlighted as key features. Read more at University of Vermont Extension.

3. Oregon State University Extension addresses the identification and cultivation of Egyptian walking onions. It describes their appearance and growth pattern, emphasizing their ease of cultivation and good storage qualities. The article provides practical advice on planting and maintaining these onions, making them a suitable addition to home gardens. For detailed insights, visit Oregon State University Extension.