Container Gardening with Egyptian Walking Onion: Expert Tips on Growing and Planting Walking Onions
Growing walking onions in containers is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy one of the most fascinating perennial onions around — the Egyptian Walking Onion (Allium × proliferum). These hardy plants, also known as tree onions, top-setting onions, or winter onions, get their name from the way their bulblets “walk” through the garden. As the clusters of tiny onion bulbs mature, they become heavy, bend down, and touch the ground, where they root and start new plants.
Whether you’re short on space or just love the idea of watching your onions “walk,” this guide will show you exactly how to grow Egyptian Walking Onions, especially in containers. If you’re new to planting onions or looking to expand your perennial garden, walking onions are a low-maintenance, cold-hardy choice that will come back year after year with minimal effort.
What Are Egyptian Walking Onions?
Egyptian Walking Onions are a unique cross between the common onion (Allium cepa var.) and the Welsh onion. Unlike traditional onion varieties that rely on seed, these plants Egyptian Walking Onions form clusters of small bulblets — called topsets — at the top of their stems. As these top-setting bulbs grow heavier, they eventually fall and root wherever they land, making it look as though the plant is walking across your garden bed.
They’re extremely hardy, tolerating temperatures down to –24°F and growing well in USDA Zones 3–10. Their flavor is slightly stronger and spicier than shallots or green onions, and because they’re perennial onions, they return year after year with little fuss.
For a deeper dive into the unique growth habit and culinary uses of this fascinating plant, check out The Unique World of Egyptian Walking Onions: Benefits and Culinary Uses.
Why Grow Walking Onions in Containers?
Growing walking onions in containers is ideal for small gardens, patios, or balconies. Containers give you full control over soil conditions, drainage, and spacing. You can also move your pots easily to maximize full sun exposure — which these onions love.
Container growing also helps protect your plants from gophers, slugs, and other soil pests that sometimes target bulbs in the ground. Plus, containers make harvesting and dividing clumps a lot easier.
If you’re interested in other sustainable ways to grow these hardy onions, read Sustainable Gardening with Egyptian Walking Onions: A Perennial Powerhouse.
Soil and Container Requirements
Like most root vegetables, walking onions thrive in loose, fertile, and well-draining soil. Use a high-quality potting mix rich in compost or aged organic matter. The soil should have a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. Poorly drained soil can cause bulb rot, so if your soil is heavy clay, adding sand or perlite can help improve aeration.
Choose a deep container at least 12–14 inches deep with ample drainage holes. This allows the onion roots to develop freely. Raised planters or half-barrels also work beautifully.
Fertilize with a mild organic product such as those found in All-Purpose Fertilizers to promote healthy green growth without overfeeding. Over-fertilization can lead to lush leaves but small bulbs.
Planting Walking Onions
When planting walking onions, select healthy bulblets or small onion bulbs. These can be planted in fall for best results, but spring planting is also possible.
How Deep to Plant Walking Onions
Plant bulbs about 1–2 inches deep (an inch deep is ideal for smaller bulblets) with the pointed end up. Space them 10–12 inches apart, leaving 1–2 feet between rows if planting multiple containers or rows in a garden bed.
Egyptian Walking Onions prefer full sun, but they can tolerate some partial shade. Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
For detailed steps and visuals, visit A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Egyptian Walking Onions: From Planting to Harvest.
Companion Planting for Walking Onions
Good companion planting helps your onions stay healthy and productive. Ideal walking onion companion plants include tomatoes, carrots, peppers, potatoes, and okra. Avoid planting near beans, peas, asparagus, and cucumbers, as they may compete for nutrients or attract pests.
Interestingly, Egyptian Walking Onions Allium species are tolerant to juglone, meaning you can safely plant them near or under walnut trees. For more juglone-tolerant companions, see Companion Plants That Tolerate Black Walnut Tree Toxicity.
Caring for Egyptian Walking Onions
Watering
Walking onions need consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Use mulch to help retain moisture, particularly in hot climates. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as onions grow best in evenly moist but well-drained soil.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer early in the growing season to promote strong root and leaf growth. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas, which can lead to floppy tops and smaller bulbs.
Weeding and Mulching
Keep your onions well-weeded — they don’t compete well with aggressive weeds. Mulch with straw or shredded leaves to regulate soil temperature and suppress weeds naturally.
Sunlight
Plant in full sun whenever possible. While Egyptian Walking Onions can handle partial shade, more sunlight results in bigger, healthier bulbs in the ground.
Development of Topsets (Top-Setting Stage)
As your plants mature, they’ll enter what’s known as the top-setting or “candlestick” stage. A tall central stalk forms, topped with clusters of bulblets wrapped in a thin papery skin. Some plants may even produce a second stalk on top of the first, creating a tiered look.
When the bulblets mature and touch the ground, they root and form new plants. If you prefer larger underground bulbs, remove the topsets before they fully develop. You can also harvest these topsets to replant or share with friends.
Harvesting and Storage
The first year usually yields modestly sized bulbs, similar to shallots. By the second year, your harvest will be much larger. You can harvest green onions in early spring or collect the mature bulbs in fall through winter.
To encourage regrowth, leave a few bulbs in the soil after harvest. Egyptian Walking Onions are perennial onions, so they’ll regrow the following year.
After harvesting, cure bulbs in a well-ventilated, shaded spot until their outer skins dry. Store them in a cool, dry, and dark area — they can last several months under the right soil conditions.
Propagating and Dividing
If left alone, your Egyptian Walking Onions will “walk” naturally across your garden or container. To propagate intentionally, simply plant the topsets or divide the main bulb clump every 2–3 years to prevent overcrowding.
Spring or fall is the best time to divide. Use a garden fork to gently lift the clump, being careful not to damage the bulbs. Replant healthy divisions in fresh soil.
Common Pests and Diseases
Walking onions are generally low-maintenance, but a few issues may arise:
- Onion flies: Avoid excess moisture and remove debris.
- Onion thrips: Control with insecticidal soap.
- Slugs: Hand-pick or use approved organic slug control products.
- Bacterial soft rot: Learn more about prevention at UC IPM – Bacterial Soft Rot in Onions.
For related perennial onion types, see How to Grow Potato Onions: A Growing Guide and the Potato Onion Growing Guide.
Where to Buy Egyptian Walking Onions
If you’re ready to start growing Egyptian Walking Onions, you can find top-quality bulbs at Grow Organic’s Egyptian Walking Onions Collection. You can also explore other onion varieties and onion seeds here.
Final Thoughts
Growing Egyptian Walking Onions — whether in containers or garden beds — offers a sustainable, low-maintenance way to enjoy homegrown onions for years.
Once you plant them, they’ll reward you with reliable harvests, interesting growth habits, and plenty of flavor season after season.