When it comes to planting walking onions, it’s important to choose a suitable location that meets the requirements of these unique plants. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:
1. Sunlight: Egyptian walking onions thrive in full sun, so it’s best to choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. This will ensure optimal growth and productivity.
2. Soil: These onions are not particularly picky about soil type, but they do prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, it’s a good idea to amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage. This will provide a solid foundation for your walking onions to grow and spread.
3. Space: Egyptian walking onions have a unique growth habit that sets them apart from traditional onions. They produce small bulbs, known as bulbils, at the top of their stalks instead of forming larger underground bulbs. These bulbils eventually become heavy and cause the stalk to bend, or “walk,” to the ground where they can take root and grow into new plants. Therefore, it’s important to give these onions enough space to spread and multiply. Plant them at least 1-2 feet apart to allow for this natural process to occur without overcrowding.
4. Long-term commitment: Walking onions are perennial plants, meaning they will come back year after year if given the right conditions. Therefore, it’s important to choose a planting spot where you intend to have them for a long time. These onions can be a great addition to a vegetable garden, herb garden, or even a mixed border for an unusual and eye-catching effect.
5. Propagation: One of the great things about Egyptian walking onions is their ease of propagation. Once established, they will produce bulbils that can be harvested and planted to grow new plants. This allows you to expand your walking onion patch or share them with friends and family. Simply detach the bulbils from the stalks and plant them in the desired location, following the same planting guidelines mentioned above.
When planting walking onions, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, give them enough space to spread, and plan for a long-term commitment. With these considerations in mind, you’ll be well on your way to growing a thriving and productive patch of Egyptian walking onions in your garden.