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. Park Seed carries Egyptian Walking Onion Seed
.
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.
The following recipe is another way to use the bulbs:
Pickled Egyptian Onions
Sunset Magazine 1993
Ingredients:
1 cup Egyptian onion bulblets (about 1/2 in. wide)
2/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar
(or 1/2 cup rice vinegar plus 3 tbsp. sugar, and salt to taste)
Separate bulblets, trim ends, peel, rinse, and drain. In a 1 to 2
quart pan, combine bulblets and vinegar. Bring to a boil over
high heat; boil, uncovered, for 1 minute. Pour into a wide-
mouthed jar; cover. Cool, and chill at least 1 day or up to 1
month. Makes 1 cup.
About the author:
Brenda Hyde is a wife and mom to three living in the Midwest
United States. She is also editor of OldFashionedLiving.com.
Perennial & Landscaping Resources
Breck's: Bulbs & Plants
Spring Hill Nursery
Michigan Bulb
Henry Field's
Gurney's Seed & Nursery
Jackson & Perkins
White
Flower Farm
Nature Hills Nursery
