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Egyptian onions

Vegetable (Cool Season) - Onion Family

Also known as tree onions, multiplier onions (topset), walking onions
Allium cepa var. proliferum
Alliaceae Family

Similar to shallots - but with a much stronger flavor - this perennial allium produces numerous bulbs below ground, and as a bonus forms clusters of sets for replanting on its stalk.

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Site and Plant Characteristics
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Growing Information
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Varieties
Site Characteristics
Sunlight:
  • full sun
  • part shade

Soil conditions:

  • requires well-drained soil
Well-drained, average fertility, high in organic matter, neutral pH. Optimum pH is 6.2 to 6.8. Requires plentiful, even moisture for good yields.

Hardiness zones:

  • 5 to 9
Plant Traits

Lifecycle: perennial

Ease-of-care: easy

Height: 2 to 3 feet

Spread: 0.5 to 2 feet

Foliage color: medium green

Foliage texture: medium

Shape: upright
Special Considerations
Tolerates:
  • frost
Special characteristics:
  • not native to North America - Middle East origin
Special uses:
  • edible landscaping
Growing Information
How to plant:

Propagate by division or separation - Divide clumps in late summer and/or plant bulblets that form on stalk. Rarely produces seed.

Maintenance and care:
Plant bulblets that form on stalk in summer, or allow them to self-sow.

Mulch plantings to prevent heaving in winter.

Divide mother plant every few years.

Pests:
Slugs
Varieties
Browse Egyptain onion varieties at our Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners website.

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