When we think of perennial plants, we often envision fruit trees, herbs, or perennial flowers. However, there’s one vegetable that stands out for its unique growing habit and long-term garden benefits—Egyptian walking onions. Hardy in USDA planting zones 3-10, Egyptian walking onions are perfect for fall planting, offering an easy-to-grow, self-propagating onion variety that thrives year after year. If you’ve never considered adding Egyptian walking onions to your garden, now is the perfect time to start.
In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating nature of Egyptian walking onions, how to plant and care for them, and the many benefits they offer for your edible landscape.
What Are Egyptian Walking Onions?
Egyptian walking onions (Allium × proliferum), also known as tree onions or top-setting onions, are a unique variety of perennial onions. Unlike traditional onions, which grow from seeds or sets in the ground, Egyptian walking onions produce bulbils—small bulbs that form on top of the plant’s flowering stalk. These bulbils are not only edible but also serve as a form of reproduction. As the plant grows taller and the bulbils form, the top-heavy stalks bend and fall over from their own weight. When they hit the ground, the bulbils replant themselves, “walking” across the garden and creating new onion plants. This cycle continues year after year, increasing the ground cover and expanding your onion patch naturally.
The name “walking onion” is quite fitting, as the plant seems to move across the garden each year, spreading new bulbs wherever the bulbils land.
Why Plant Egyptian Walking Onions in the Fall?
Planting Egyptian walking onions in the fall has distinct advantages. As a hardy perennial, Egyptian walking onions are best suited for fall planting because they can establish their roots over the cooler months and prepare for robust growth in the spring. Planting in fall gives the bulbs time to develop a strong root system, allowing them to flourish when spring arrives.
Unlike annual onions, which require replanting every year, Egyptian walking onions will continue to grow year after year, producing edible bulbs and greens with little effort on your part. The fall planting ensures that the onions will be ready for spring growth, and their unique walking mechanism makes them easy to propagate and expand with minimal intervention.
How to Plant Egyptian Walking Onions
Planting Egyptian walking onions is a straightforward process, but there are some key steps to follow to ensure your success. Here’s a detailed guide to help you get started:
1. Choose the Right Location
Egyptian walking onions thrive in a sunny spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, they can also tolerate partial shade, making them versatile for a variety of garden settings. Whether you have a raised bed, a container, or an edible landscape, Egyptian walking onions will adapt well to most garden environments.
These onions are incredibly hardy, able to withstand cold temperatures, which is why they are ideal for planting in fall. They can survive frosts and grow in a variety of soil types, although they prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
2. Prepare the Soil
Before planting, it’s essential to prepare the soil. If you’re planting in a garden bed, loosen the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. Add organic compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0-7.0) is ideal for Egyptian walking onions, although they are quite adaptable.
If you’re planting in containers, make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate the onions’ growing habit. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the container has good drainage holes.
3. Plant the Bulbils
Once your soil is prepared, plant the bulbils about 6 inches apart. You can plant them about 1 inch deep into the soil, with the pointed end facing upwards. If you’re planting in containers, you can use smaller spacing, but ensure each bulb has enough room to grow and spread.
You can purchase bulbils from seed catalogs or from local garden centers. Alternatively, you can harvest bulbils from mature walking onions in your garden, allowing you to propagate them year after year.
4. Water and Mulch
After planting, water the bulbils thoroughly to settle the soil around them. Egyptian walking onions prefer moist, but not waterlogged, soil. A light mulch layer can help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth. Mulch also helps protect the plants from freezing during the winter months, especially in colder climates.
5. Care Throughout the Growing Season
Once planted, Egyptian walking onions are relatively low-maintenance. As perennial plants, they will come back year after year with minimal care. Water the onions regularly during dry spells, and be sure to keep weeds under control, as they can compete with the onions for nutrients and water.
During the growing season, you can harvest the green tops for use in cooking, similar to green onions or scallions. The bulbils will form on top of the plant as it matures, and once they are ready, the top-heavy stalks will begin to fall over, completing the walking process.
Harvesting and Using Egyptian Walking Onions
One of the main appeals of Egyptian walking onions is that they provide a steady supply of fresh onions throughout the year. You can harvest them in multiple stages:
- Green Tops: The green tops of the walking onions can be harvested throughout the growing season. These mild onions are perfect for salads, soups, or as garnishes.
- Bulbils: Once the bulbils have formed and the plants begin to fall over, you can harvest the bulbils to either eat or replant. If you’re looking to expand your walking onion patch, you can save the bulbils for the next season.
- Bulbs: Some gardeners also choose to harvest the mature bulb from the base of the plant, although this is less common with walking onions. The bulbs are small but can be used for culinary purposes, though they may have a stronger flavor compared to the green tops.
Benefits of Egyptian Walking Onions
Egyptian walking onions offer several benefits, especially for those interested in sustainable gardening:
1. Perennial Growth
One of the main benefits of Egyptian walking onions is their perennial nature. Once planted, they will continue to grow and produce new onions every year, reducing the need to replant. This makes them an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens and for gardeners who want to reduce their annual planting efforts.
2. Self-Propagating
The most unique feature of Egyptian walking onions is their ability to self-propagate. The bulbils that fall to the ground naturally replant themselves, expanding the onion patch with minimal effort from the gardener. This “walking” process makes them an ideal addition to food forests, permaculture gardens, and edible landscapes.
3. Versatility
Egyptian walking onions are adaptable to a variety of growing conditions. They can thrive in raised beds, containers, and even in less-than-ideal soil conditions. They are also perfect for gardeners with limited space, as their self-propagating nature means you don’t need to plant new onions every year.
4. Winter Hardiness
Egyptian walking onions are hardy in USDA planting zones 3-10, meaning they can survive the winter in many regions. This makes them an excellent choice for gardeners in colder climates who want to enjoy fresh onions year-round.
Conclusion
Egyptian walking onions are a must-have for any garden, offering a combination of ease, sustainability, and year-round harvests. By planting these unique onions this fall, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a self-propagating perennial that will provide fresh green onions and bulbils for years to come. Whether you’re growing them in raised beds, containers, or in your edible landscape, Egyptian walking onions are a versatile and rewarding addition to any garden.
Are you ready to plant Egyptian walking onions in your garden this fall? Share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below! Happy gardening!
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