How to Grow Egyptian Walking Onions by Bulbils: A Beginner’s Guide
Have you ever wished for an onion plant that keeps coming back year after year without much effort? Egyptian walking onions (Allium × proliferum) might just be the perfect solution for you! These unique onions don’t just grow from underground bulbs like traditional onions; they produce bulbils on top of their stalks, allowing them to “walk” across your garden over time.
If you’re wondering how to grow Egyptian walking onions from bulbils, you’re in the right place. This guide will cover everything you need to know—from planting and care to harvesting and propagation.
What Are Egyptian Walking Onions?
Egyptian walking onions, also known as tree onions or top-setting onions, are a hardy perennial onion variety that produces clusters of small bulbs (bulbils) at the top of the stalk. Once these bulbils mature, they become heavy and bend the stalk down to the ground, where they take root and sprout new plants—hence the name “walking onions.”
Unlike regular onions that require yearly planting, these onions are self-propagating and continue growing for years with minimal care. They are cold-hardy and thrive in USDA zones 3-10, making them a fantastic choice for gardeners across the U.S.
Why Grow Egyptian Walking Onions from Bulbils?
Growing Egyptian walking onions from bulbils is one of the easiest ways to propagate this resilient plant. These hardy, low-maintenance perennials require just one planting and will keep coming back year after year with little effort. They’re cold-hardy, capable of surviving harsh winters—even under a blanket of snow! Plus, they offer a continuous harvest, providing flavorful greens, bulbs, and bulbils throughout the growing season. Unlike traditional onions, they’re also naturally pest-resistant, meaning fewer worries about diseases or hungry critters. If you’re looking for a fuss-free, self-sufficient onion that practically takes care of itself, these unique onions are a perfect choice!
How to Grow Egyptian Walking Onions from Bulbils
1. When to Plant Bulbils
The best time to plant Egyptian walking onion bulbils is late summer to early fall, giving them plenty of time to establish strong roots before winter arrives. This head start means they’ll emerge early in the spring, ready to grow vigorously as soon as temperatures warm up. However, if you miss the fall window, early spring planting is still an option.
2. Choosing the Right Location
Egyptian walking onions are tough and adaptable, but they’ll truly thrive when planted in the right conditions. To get the best growth and continuous harvest, choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun per day.
These onions also prefer well-draining soil, such as sandy or loamy types, to prevent water from pooling around the roots. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0) to keep your plants happy and productive.
3. Preparing the Soil
Before planting your Egyptian walking onions, take a little time to prepare the soil properly—it’ll pay off with healthier, more productive plants! Loosen the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches, which allows the roots to spread easily and prevents water from pooling. Mixing in compost or aged manure is a great way to improve drainage while adding essential nutrients that help your onions establish quickly. A well-prepared bed means stronger plants, bigger harvests, and less maintenance down the road!
4. Planting the Bulbils
Once your soil is prepped, it’s time to get those Egyptian walking onion bulbils in the ground! Plant them 1-2 inches deep and space them about 6 inches apart to give them room to grow. If you’re planting multiple rows, leave about 12 inches between rows for easy access and airflow.
After planting, give them a deep watering to help settle the soil and kickstart root development. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy in the first few weeks to encourage strong growth.
To lock in moisture and keep weeds at bay, apply a layer of mulch, such as straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings. Mulching also helps insulate the soil, protecting young plants from extreme temperature swings.
5. Watering & Fertilizing
In the beginning, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy to help the young plants develop strong roots. Overwatering can lead to rot, so be sure your soil drains well.
Once your onions are fully established, they become quite drought-tolerant and only need occasional watering—unless you’re experiencing a prolonged dry spell. If you notice the leaves wilting or yellowing in extreme heat, a deep watering can help them bounce back.
For the best growth, give them a nutrient boost in early spring by applying organic fertilizer, compost, or well-aged manure. This provides essential nutrients that encourage strong bulbs and vibrant greens. If your soil is already rich, a light top-dressing of compost is often enough to keep them thriving.
6. Managing Growth & Propagation
One of the best things about Egyptian walking onions is that they take care of themselves! However, if you want to guide their spread and keep them from taking over your garden, a little management goes a long way.
You can control their growth by removing and replanting the bulbils in specific areas where you’d like them to grow. This helps keep your onion patch organized while allowing you to expand your harvest. If you don’t relocate them, they’ll naturally “walk” on their own, as their top bulbils bend to the ground and take root.
Another great way to manage their spread is by harvesting some of the bulbils for cooking. These tiny onions have a delicious, mild flavor, similar to shallots or pearl onions, and can be used in soups, sautés, or pickling.
Every few years, it’s also a good idea to divide the clumps of underground bulbs to prevent overcrowding. Simply dig up dense clusters, separate them, and replant a portion while using the rest in your kitchen. This keeps your plants vigorous and ensures continued healthy growth.
Harvesting & Using Egyptian Walking Onions
One of the best things about Egyptian walking onions is that every part of the plant is edible! From the greens to the bulbs and bulbils, these onions offer a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. Here’s how to make the most of them:
1. Harvesting the Greens
The leafy green stalks can be snipped and used just like scallions in salads, soups, and stir-fries. Harvest them by cutting a few stalks at a time, but be sure to leave some behind so the plant continues to grow and thrive.
2. Harvesting the Bulbs
Over time, the underground bulbs develop into small, flavorful onions that can be harvested in late summer. You can enjoy them fresh, just like regular onions, or cure and store them in a cool, dry place for later use. If left in the ground, the bulbs will keep multiplying, ensuring a long-lasting supply.
3. Harvesting the Bulbils
The tiny top bulbils are ready to harvest once they turn brown and dry out on the stalk. You can:
Replant them to expand your onion patch.
Store them in a cool, dry place to plant later.
Use them in cooking—they have a mild onion-garlic flavor, making them great for roasting, pickling, or adding a punch of flavor to dishes.
Common Problems & Solutions
Egyptian walking onions are tough and low-maintenance, but like any plant, they can run into a few issues. Here’s how to keep them thriving and tackle any problems that pop up:
Overcrowding – If your onions start growing in dense clumps, they may compete for nutrients. Solution: Every few years, dig up and divide them, replanting some while using or sharing the rest. This keeps your patch healthy and productive.
Weeds Taking Over – Weeds can compete with your onions for nutrients and moisture. Solution: Apply a layer of mulch (like straw or shredded leaves) around your plants to suppress weeds and help retain soil moisture.
Bulbils Not Rooting – Sometimes, the little top bulbs don’t take root after they fall. Solution: Make sure they’re making good contact with the soil and getting enough moisture to sprout. If needed, lightly press them into the soil or give them a gentle watering.
Yellowing Leaves – If your onion greens start turning yellow, it could be due to overwatering or nutrient deficiencies. Solution: Check that your soil drains well and isn’t staying soggy. If the soil is dry but leaves are still yellowing, a light feeding of compost or organic fertilizer can help replenish nutrients.
Tips for Success
Rotate Crops: Avoid planting them in the same spot year after year to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Companion Planting: Pair them with carrots, beets, or lettuce to deter pests.
Winter Care: In colder climates, mulch heavily to protect the bulbs during winter.
FAQs About Growing Egyptian Walking Onions from Bulbils
1. Can I grow Egyptian walking onions in containers?
Absolutely! Egyptian walking onions do well in containers as long as they have at least 12 inches of depth to accommodate root growth. Make sure the container has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
2. How long does it take for bulbils to grow into mature plants?
If you plant bulbils in the fall, they’ll develop into mature plants by the following summer. Spring-planted bulbils may take a little longer to fully establish but will still grow into strong, self-propagating onions over time.
3. Are Egyptian walking onions invasive?
Not really! While they do spread naturally, they’re easy to control. Simply harvest or relocate the bulbils if they start growing in areas where you don’t want them. Unlike aggressive invasive plants, they won’t take over your garden unless you let them!
4. Can I eat the bulbils?
Yes! The bulbils have a mild onion-garlic flavor and can be used just like shallots or pearl onions. They’re great in soups, stews, stir-fries, or even pickled for a tangy treat.
Final Thoughts
Growing Egyptian walking onions from bulbils is an easy, rewarding, and sustainable way to have a perennial onion supply in your garden. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, these onions are a great addition to any homestead or backyard farm.
By planting and caring for them properly, you’ll enjoy year-round harvests and a plant that literally “walks” across your garden over time.
So, why not give them a try this season? Your garden (and your kitchen) will thank you!
Have you grown Egyptian walking onions before? Share your experience or ask any questions in the comments below!