How to Grow Egyptian Walking Onions: Complete Growing Guide

These perennial onions taste similar to regular onions, but are grown more like garlic. Egyptian walking onions not only offer a historical connection to farmers of the past but also a continuous supply of flavorful and versatile onions for your culinary endeavors. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a beginner, these low-maintenance onions are an excellent addition to any garden!

Walking Onions & Other Fall Bulbs

Planting bulbs in the fall rewards you with some of the earliest color, fragrance, and harvests of the season—often when your garden needs it most! Whether you're growing flavorful garlic, stunning spring blooms, or long-lasting kitchen staples like Egyptian Walking Onions, Potato Onions, or Dutch Red Shallots, fall planting is one of the easiest ways to set yourself up for success! 

Now is a great time to explore our Fall Planted Bulbs Collection, which includes Egyptian onions, daffodils, tulips, garlic, and more. (You can join the waitlist now so you'll be the first to know when they are available.) Many of these crops return and multiply year after year, making them a worthwhile investment for any garden.

What are Egyptian Walking Onions

Despite their name, these alliums are not exclusively tied to Egypt. Their origins can actually be traced back to the Mediterranean region. They have been cultivated for millennia and were highly regarded in various ancient civilizations, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

These hardy perennial onions are unique due to their peculiar growth and propagation method. Instead of producing seeds when they flower, Egyptian onions develop small bulbs on the top of their stalks known as bulbils. When these bulbils mature, the stalks bend over, allowing them to touch the ground and root themselves, resulting in new onion plants! 

This characteristic earned them the name "walking onions" because they seem to wander through the garden, self-propagating as they go!

When to Plant

Egyptian walking onions in late winter (L), spring (C), and summer (R).

Image courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension.

Egyptian onions should be planted preferably in the fall, but can also be planting in the spring. If planting in the fall, do so a few weeks before the first expected frost, around the time you plant garlic. For spring planting, wait until the soil is workable and not too wet.

How to Plant Egyptian Walking Onions

If you're intrigued and want to grow them in your garden, here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started. You can plant bulbils, the small bulbs that form on the top of the onion stalks, or you can purchase sets from a reputable supplier. Bulbils are the most common way to propagate Egyptian onions.

1. Choose Location - Walking onions prefer a sunny spot in your garden with fertile, well-draining soil. These onions are adaptable but thrive in full sun.

2. Amend Soil - Ensure your soil is loose down to 8-12” deep and has the ideal soil composition by adding organic matter like compost to improve soil drainage and fertility. These onions are relatively tolerant of different soil types but prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils. (This is a good time to test the soil pH.)

3. Fertilize - In addition to amending with compost, you may want to use a balanced fertilizer before planting (like Trifecta+ or VegaGrow). You should also apply an additional feeding of fertilizer each year in early spring. 

4. Planting Depth - Plant the Egyptian Walking Onion bulbils 1-2 inches deep, with the pointy side up.

5. Plant Spacing - Bulbils should be spaced 6-12 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.

6. Watering and Maintenance - Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting, Dividing, and Transplanting

During the first year, these perennial onions produce a harvest of small bulbs that can be used in your kitchen just like regular onions. As the onion plants mature, the top bulbils will form in late summer and eventually bend to the ground. These can be collected and replanted or let them fall naturally to expand your onion patch, allowing for a continuous harvest.

To prevent overcrowding, dig up and divide the bulbs every few years. Replant the bulbils to expand your onion patch or share them with friends.

Uses for Egyptian Onions

Whether you enjoy them fresh, cooked, or for their ornamental value, these onions offer a unique and flavorful twist on traditional onion varieties. Egyptian onions are prized for their versatility and a valuable addition to a potager garden. 

• Green Onions - The green shoots of Egyptian onions can be harvested and used as a substitute for scallions or green onions. They add a mild onion flavor to salads, soups, stir-fries, and garnishes.

• Bulbs for Cooking - The small bulbs produced by Egyptian onions are edible and can be used in cooking just like traditional onions. They have a milder flavor and work well in soups, stews, roasts, and other dishes that call for onions.

• Pickling - The small bulbils or baby onions from the top of the plant can be pickled and enjoyed as a tasty snack or condiment.

• Flavoring Dishes - You can use Egyptian onion leaves, bulbs, or bulbils to infuse a subtle onion flavor into various dishes, including omelets, casseroles, and baked goods.

• Garnish or Topping - Chop the green shoots and add them to your baked or mashed potatoes, or sprinkle them over salads for a fresh, mild oniony crunch.

• Garden Ornament - Beyond their culinary uses, Egyptian onions can be grown as ornamental plants that flower each year. Their unique appearance and growth habit make them an attractive addition to flower beds and gardens.

• Propagation - Aside from consumption, Egyptian onions are often grown to propagate, expand an onion patch, and share with friends. They are very easy to multiply! The bulbils they produce can be replanted to grow new onion plants, ensuring a perpetual supply of onions.

• Medicinal Uses - In some cultures, Egyptian onions have been used for their potential medicinal properties. They are believed to have various health benefits, including aiding digestion and providing essential vitamins and minerals.

• Intercropping - Some gardeners use Egyptian onions for intercropping to deter pests due to their pungent aroma. Placing them near other vegetables can help protect against insect infestations.

• Landscaping - Egyptian onions can also be used for landscaping purposes. Their tall, arching stalks and unique topsets create an interesting visual element that can be used to define borders or create focal points.

Watch for Egyptian walking onions in our Fall Bulb Collection each year around early September! You can join the waitlist to be notified when they become available. Download our free Fall Bulb Planting Guide to help you plan your best spring garden yet.