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Walking Onion: Growing, Caring, and Enjoying This Unique Perennial - Dharaseeds

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Walking Onion: Growing, Caring, and Enjoying This Unique Perennial

par Dhara Seeds Le Aug 20, 2025
About Walking Onion The Walking Onion (Allium), also known as Top Set Onion or Egyptian Onion, is a unique perennial onion variety that grows in a distinctive manner. Instead of forming large bulbs like traditional onions, the Walking Onion produces bulbils (small bulbs) at the top of its stalks. As the plant matures, the weight of these bulbils causes the stalk to bend, and the onion "walks" to new areas, effectively propagating itself. Known for its hardiness and resilience, the Walking Onion is an excellent addition to your garden, providing fresh onions throughout the year. At Dharaseeds.com, you can find high-quality Walking Onion seeds and plants perfect for any garden. Why Grow Walking Onion? There are several great reasons to grow Walking Onion: Self-propagating: As the onion "walks," it creates new plants without much effort. Perennial growth: Unlike most onions, Walking Onions are perennials, so they come back year after year. Easy care: These onions are drought-tolerant and pest-resistant, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners. Delicious flavor: The bulbs and bulbils have a strong, flavorful onion taste, perfect for cooking, pickling, or raw in salads. Space-saving: These onions grow vertically and spread horizontally, making them a perfect choice for small gardens or container gardening. When to Plant Walking Onion Walking Onions should be planted in early spring or fall, depending on your climate. If you’re planting from bulbils, fall planting is ideal, as the bulbs will have time to settle in before the ground freezes. If you’re planting from seed, start indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost and then transplant them into the garden once the soil has warmed up. Walking Onions thrive in temperate climates and can tolerate cold winters once established, which makes them perfect for cooler regions. Where to Grow Walking Onion Walking Onion grows best in full sun but can tolerate light shade. It prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH (6.0–7.5). The plant does well in raised beds, garden plots, or containers, and it’s perfect for small spaces due to its compact, vertical growth. Here are some key points to consider when selecting a planting location: Full Sun: Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil with good organic content. Spacing: Space plants about 6–12 inches apart to allow them to grow and spread. How to Grow Walking Onion Planting: Walking Onion can be started from bulbils or seeds. Plant the bulbils about 1–2 inches deep and space them around 6 inches apart. If starting from seed, sow them ½ inch deep and thin seedlings once they emerge. Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. These onions are drought-tolerant once established but prefer consistent moisture, especially in their early stages of growth. Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer or organic compost to support healthy growth. Add compost at planting and again during the growing season for continuous growth. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature stable. How to Care for Walking Onion Watering: Ensure the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Walking Onions can withstand dry spells but produce better yields with consistent moisture. Pruning: Remove any dead or yellowing leaves throughout the growing season to keep the plant healthy. You can also cut back flower stalks after they bloom to direct energy into bulb growth. Pest Control: Walking Onions are naturally pest-resistant, but you should still check for common garden pests like aphids or slugs. Organic treatments like neem oil or diatomaceous earth work well for controlling pests. Winter Care: In cold climates, protect the plant with a layer of mulch to keep the soil temperature stable and prevent the bulbs from freezing. Companion Plants for Walking Onion Walking Onion grows well with other plants that enjoy similar conditions. Some companion plants include: Carrots: Their root system helps to loosen the soil around the onions, promoting better growth. Cabbage and other brassicas: These plants benefit from the onion’s pest-repellent properties. Tomatoes: The scent of onions can help repel pests that typically target tomatoes, such as aphids. Herbs like rosemary and thyme: They share similar water and sunlight requirements. Harvesting Walking Onion Walking Onions are harvested in two stages: Bulbils: The small bulbs at the top of the plant are ready for harvest once they mature. Simply collect them when they turn papery and brown. Bulbs: The bulbs form at the base of the plant and can be harvested once they’re fully mature, usually after about 6–8 months of growth. When the leaves die back and turn yellow, it’s time to dig them up.To harvest, gently pull or dig up the bulbs, clean them, and store them in a cool, dry place for later use. Final Thoughts on Walking Onion Walking Onion is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that adds both practicality and beauty to any garden. Whether you are looking for a unique, self-propagating vegetable or an attractive ornamental plant, the Walking Onion fits the bill. Its tough nature, delicious bulbs, and pest resistance make it perfect for both beginners and experienced gardeners. You can enjoy fresh onions year-round, and the plant will continue to “walk” and grow in your garden for seasons to come. Find more about Walking Onion and other perennial crops at Dharaseeds.com.