Onion
“Egyptian Walking Onion”
Allium cepa var. proliferum

 
photo: Lynda_2008

When you aren’t looking, these onions rise up from the earth & idly stroll about the garden. Okay, not seriously, but this funny onion does literally walk, just in slow-mo. Bulbils up to an inch across form a crowded mass atop every blooming stalk, each complete with roots & leaves. If you leave them, these heads will become heavy & drop to the ground, spreading baby onions every which way & increasing your stand, but these can also be harvested so that you can leave the original plants in situ & avoid the labor of digging & dividing them to harvest. This onion has a very strong & spicy flavor & the bulbils can be used just as you would any other onion. The “Egyptian Walking Onion” was actually discovered in Canada. Go figure. Bulbs are usually harvested in late Summer, greens can be used year round & the plant is Winter deciduous. Space 6-9”, grows to 2’ tall.

Claire Woods
Propagator