As you can see, the blooms form BIG bulblets, get heavy, fall over, and start a new large onion plant. All parts of the onion plant maybe used. (photo is sideways)
Closeup of bulblets. The article below has info on planting, but it should be said, I gave a few to my mom, and she planted them in a sandfilled pot, and has them running out her ears now. Not fertile soil. No extra care at all. Very easy plant.
From Old Fashion Living
Growing Egyptian Onions
Egyptian onions are a very cold hardy, perennial onion that is unique and easy to grow. It's also known as tree onion, top onion, winter onion, or walking onions. This onion is not only edible, it's also ornamental!. At the top of the plant little "bulbs" form that can be used fresh, or they can be stored, much like garlic. Kids will love it for the quirky growth of the bulbs, and it's easy for them to help harvest and plant.Egyptian onions are hardy to Zone 3, and can be planted in the fall. They are called "walking" onions because of the unique way the bulbs clusters bend down from the weight of the bulbs as they grow, eventually touching the ground, and taking root. You can divide these clusters and plant as you would other onion sets in the autumn. They do have a rather strong taste, so you won't need many! You can also use the green stalks, which are edible, much like green onions or chives.
If you allow the new bulbs to fall over and root, these will sprout for you to use. They are best before the bulbs start to form on the new stalk because they do become tough at that point. There will be enough to use for the stalks, the bulbs and some for planting.
In the early spring you'll be able to dig some of the onions up to use as bunching or green onions.
Plant the small bulbs in soil that is well dug and amended with organic matter such as peat and compost. As mentioned, they are very hardy so should do well even in very cold climates.
Happy Bloomin' Tuesday!
13 comments:
Gosh, those are big. I've never heard of an egyptian onion. I have green onions that seem to do okay here in the central valley of california. Do you think egytian onions would do well here? Lol!
Cute post with the Egyptian onions, then a little history lesson on them and finally a cool You Tube with one of my favorite songs. You did good today, thanks. I throughly enjoyed the post!
I used to have those; they can get invasive, but I loved them! The best part was when they strayed into the yard and I'd hit them when mowing, it smelled wonderful!!!
these are very cool!!! thanks for the info...and the idea! lol
Those are so cool. I have never seen them before. Thank you for your comment at Vixens. Big hug you are a great friend.
I've had these growing in my garden for years. I just love them.
As a child, I would use the hollow stalks as a drinking straw.
We have these and I think they are from Great Grandma
What an interesting and fun plant. I've never heard of these before. Thanks for sharing the info! Jean
Very interesting post! I've never heard of these before.
Cool onions, Carla! Thanks for posting about them. I'll have to keep an eye out for a start of those! ~~Rhonda
An interesting and informative post. Thanks for the info on the Egyptian Onion.
Aiyana
So interesting, Carla. Love the song.
who knew?! But I LOVE the word bulblet--I need to find a way to fit that in my conversation--bulblet--bulblet--bulblet---I am such a nerd
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