How to Grow Walking Onions in the UK – Complete Egyptian Walking Onion Guide

If you’re looking for an unusual vegetable to grow on your allotment, Egyptian walking onions are well worth discovering. These fascinating perennial onions produce clusters of tiny bulbs at the tops of their stems. When the stems bend towards the ground, the bulbs can take root and create new plants, giving walking onions their wonderfully unusual name.

One of the things I love about gardening is discovering vegetables that are a little different from the ordinary crops we grow every year.

We all know about traditional onions, garlic, shallots and leeks.

But have you ever heard of an onion that can effectively plant itself?

That’s exactly what makes Egyptian walking onions so interesting.

Instead of producing just one ordinary onion bulb that you harvest at the end of the season, these plants can keep growing year after year.

They produce edible green leaves, small bulbs underground and clusters of miniature onions at the tops of their flower stalks.

Those miniature onions are called topsets or bulbils.

As they develop, their weight can cause the stems to bend downwards.

If the topsets touch suitable soil, they can grow roots and develop into new onion plants a little distance from the original clump.

It’s a brilliant example of how fascinating nature can be.

Here at Gardening with Ben, I think Egyptian walking onions would make a fantastic addition to a permanent vegetable bed, especially if you enjoy growing perennial crops.

They’re hardy, relatively easy to propagate and can provide useful onion-flavoured greens early in the growing season.

However, they’re not exactly the same as ordinary cooking onions.

Their underground bulbs are generally much smaller, and the plant is particularly valued for its greens and unusual topsets.

In this complete UK growing guide, I’ll explain what walking onions are, how to plant their topsets, when to harvest them and how to keep a productive clump growing for years.

We’ll also look at growing them in raised beds, containers and clay soil, along with common problems and ways to prevent unwanted spreading.

So let’s discover the amazing world of walking onions!

What Are Egyptian Walking Onions?

Egyptian walking onions are perennial members of the onion family.

Their botanical name is Allium × proliferum.

They’re also known as tree onions, topset onions or Egyptian onions.

Unlike most ordinary bulb onions, which are typically grown as annual or biennial crops for one main harvest, walking onions can remain productive in the same growing area for several years.

The Royal Horticultural Society describes them as bulbous perennial plants with thick, cylindrical, grey-green edible leaves.

They can grow quite tall, with mature flower stems reaching around 1–1.5 metres in favourable conditions.

At the top of those stems, the plant produces small bulbs rather than a conventional large flower head.

Are They Really from Egypt?

Despite their common name, the precise origin and naming history of Egyptian walking onions isn’t entirely clear.

Are They the Same as Ordinary Onions?

No.

They’re closely related but have a different growth habit.

Are They Edible?

Yes.

The leaves, topsets and underground bulbs can all be used as food.

Do They Come Back Every Year?

Yes, provided the plants remain healthy and their growing conditions are suitable.

Are They Worth Growing?

I certainly think they’re worth trying if you enjoy unusual, productive perennial vegetables.

Why Are They Called Walking Onions?

This is the feature that makes them so memorable.

As Egyptian walking onions mature, they produce clusters of small bulbs at the tops of their stems.

These topsets gradually increase in weight.

Eventually, the stem may bend towards the ground.

When the topsets reach the soil, they can take root and begin growing into new plants.

Over time, the original onion clump can spread gradually across the growing area.

This gives the impression that the onions are walking through the garden.

Do Walking Onions Actually Move?

Not in the way an animal moves!

The movement happens through the growth and bending of the stems.

Can the Topsets Root Without Your Help?

Yes, if they land on suitable moist soil.

Will Every Topset Produce a New Plant?

Not necessarily.

Some may dry out, become damaged or land in unsuitable conditions.

Can You Stop Them Walking?

Absolutely.

Simply remove the topsets before they fall.

Can You Plant the Topsets Yourself?

Yes, and that’s one of the easiest ways to propagate walking onions.

What Is the Difference Between Walking Onions and Normal Onions?

There are several important differences.

Ordinary bulb onions are generally grown to produce one substantial underground bulb.

Walking onions are grown as perennial clumps that produce edible greens, smaller underground bulbs and miniature bulbs above ground.

Do Walking Onions Produce Big Cooking Bulbs?

Generally not.

Their underground bulbs tend to be relatively small, sometimes around shallot size.

Are Walking Onions Better for Leaves?

They’re particularly useful for harvesting fresh onion-flavoured greens.

Do Normal Onions Produce Topsets?

Most ordinary cooking onions don’t.

Do Walking Onions Need Replanting Every Year?

No.

Can You Grow Both Together?

Yes, although I’d give walking onions their own permanent growing area.

What’s My Recommendation?

Treat walking onions as an additional perennial crop rather than a direct replacement for your normal storage onions.

When Should You Plant Walking Onions in the UK?

The RHS recommends propagating Egyptian walking onions by planting bulbils in autumn or spring.

Both seasons can work well in the UK.

Planting in September

Early autumn can be an excellent time to establish topsets.

The ground is often still warm enough for roots to develop.

Planting in October

October can also be suitable, provided the soil isn’t waterlogged.

Can You Plant in November?

Sometimes, if the soil remains workable and drains properly.

However, planting before the coldest weather arrives is preferable.

Planting in March

Spring is another excellent opportunity.

Planting in April

April can be particularly suitable for gardeners with heavy winter soil.

Can You Plant Them in Summer?

New topsets often become available during summer, and they can be planted once mature.

You’ll need to monitor moisture carefully during dry weather.

Gardening with Ben Tip

On a Yorkshire allotment with heavy clay soil, I’d favour spring planting or a well-drained raised bed rather than putting tiny topsets into saturated winter ground.

Where Is the Best Place to Grow Walking Onions?

Choose a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil.

The RHS recommends full sun and soil that retains some moisture without remaining saturated.

Can They Grow in Partial Shade?

They may tolerate some light shade, but full sun is ideal.

Do They Need Shelter?

A reasonably sheltered position can help protect tall stems carrying heavy topsets.

Can They Grow in Clay Soil?

Yes.

The RHS lists clay among suitable soil types, provided drainage is good.

What About Sandy Soil?

Walking onions can also grow in sandy soil, although it may need more attention to moisture and fertility.

Should You Give Them a Permanent Bed?

Yes, if you want them to return every year.

What Soil pH Do They Prefer?

Neutral to mildly alkaline soil is generally suitable.

If your soil is particularly acidic, test its pH before adding lime.

How to Prepare Soil for Egyptian Walking Onions

Preparing a permanent growing area properly will help your walking onions establish and remain productive.

Begin by removing perennial weeds.

It’s particularly important to clear persistent weeds such as couch grass and bindweed because they can become difficult to remove once the onion clumps develop.

Check the drainage.

If your soil is heavy, improve its structure where necessary with mature compost.

Avoid planting into compacted, saturated ground.

Do Walking Onions Need Rich Soil?

They benefit from reasonable fertility but don’t need excessively rich conditions.

Should You Add Garden Compost?

Mature compost can be helpful where the soil needs improvement.

Can You Use Fresh Manure?

I’d avoid applying fresh manure directly around the bulbs.

Do You Need to Dig the Bed Deeply?

Not necessarily.

In a healthy, well-maintained bed, surface-applied mature compost may be sufficient.

My Recommendation

Prepare the growing area as if you’re establishing a perennial vegetable rather than a temporary crop.

That way, you won’t need to disturb it unnecessarily every year.

How to Plant Egyptian Walking Onion Topsets – Step by Step

Topsets are miniature onion bulbs produced at the top of mature walking onion stems.

They’re one of the easiest ways to start new plants.

Step 1: Obtain Healthy Topsets

Choose firm, healthy bulbils from a reliable supplier or established gardener.

Step 2: Choose the Planting Season

Autumn and spring are both suitable.

Step 3: Prepare the Ground

Remove weeds and ensure the soil drains well.

Step 4: Make a Shallow Planting Hole

Plant small bulbils shallowly, generally around 2–3 cm deep depending on their size, keeping the shoot end close to the surface.

Step 5: Position the Topset

Place the basal root end downwards where this can be identified.

Step 6: Cover Lightly

Cover with enough soil to secure the bulbil.

Step 7: Allow Suitable Spacing

For a permanent clump, allow approximately 15–25 cm between planting positions.

Step 8: Firm Gently

Make sure the bulbil contacts the soil.

Step 9: Water In

Water when needed to settle the soil.

Step 10: Label Your Plants

Record the planting date.

Step 11: Keep the Area Weed-Free

Small newly establishing plants can be overwhelmed by weeds.

Step 12: Check for New Growth

Look for roots and green shoots as conditions allow.

Gardening with Ben tip: Don’t bury tiny topsets deeply. They’re small planting bulbs, and shallow planting gives them a straightforward start.

How Far Apart Should You Plant Walking Onions?

Spacing depends on whether you’re growing individual plants, dense rows for greens or established perennial clumps.

For a permanent allotment patch, I would allow approximately 15–25 cm between planting positions.

This gives the plants room to establish and produce additional bulbs around their bases.

The University of Wisconsin Extension recommends roughly 10–13 cm spacing for new bulbils, while other guidance suggests wider spacing to accommodate developing clumps.

Can You Plant Them Closer?

Yes, particularly when growing a short-term crop for greens.

Should Permanent Clumps Have More Room?

Yes.

What Happens When They’re Crowded?

Bulbs may become smaller and the plants can become less productive.

Do You Need Wide Rows?

Allow enough room to reach the plants for harvesting and division.

Can You Grow Them in a Grid?

Absolutely.

My Recommendation

For a permanent patch, I’d start with fewer plants and allow space to divide the clumps later.

Can You Grow Walking Onions from Seed?

This is a question that often causes confusion.

Egyptian walking onions are usually propagated using topsets or division rather than ordinary true onion seed.

Their unusual reproductive habit means they generally produce bulbils where you might expect normal flowers and seeds.

Do They Ever Produce Flowers?

They may produce small flowers.

Will They Produce Viable Seeds?

Viable seed is uncommon.

What Should You Buy?

Topsets, bulbils or established plants.

Are Topsets the Same as Onion Sets?

They’re both small bulbs used for propagation, but topsets grow naturally on the flowering stems of walking onions.

Can You Buy Topsets Online?

Sometimes.

Look for specialist perennial vegetable suppliers.

My Recommendation

Don’t buy an ordinary packet of onion seeds expecting them to grow into walking onions.

Make sure the planting material is correctly identified.

What Happens During the First Year?

Walking onions grown from small topsets may spend much of their first season establishing roots and foliage.

Don’t be disappointed if you don’t immediately see tall stalks covered in miniature onions.

Some plants may produce topsets during their first year, particularly when started from larger bulbils.

However, many don’t begin producing substantial topset clusters until they’re better established.

Will You Get Green Leaves?

Usually, once the plant begins actively growing.

Should You Harvest Them Immediately?

I’d allow young plants to establish before removing much foliage.

Can They Survive Their First Winter?

Yes, when healthy and grown in suitable conditions.

Will They Multiply Underground?

They can gradually form additional bulbs at the base.

When Do Topsets Usually Appear?

Typically on mature plants during the warmer growing season.

My Recommendation

Think of the first year as establishing your future perennial onion patch.

How to Look After Walking Onions Each Year

Once established, Egyptian walking onions are relatively straightforward to maintain.

They’re a hardy perennial crop that can remain in the same area for several seasons.

However, a little maintenance helps them stay productive.

Spring

Remove weeds and check that the plants are growing strongly.

Early Summer

Monitor foliage and developing topset stalks.

Mid to Late Summer

Harvest mature topsets or allow selected stems to bend and root.

Autumn

Plant new topsets, divide crowded clumps or tidy dying foliage.

Winter

Ensure the plants aren’t sitting in persistently waterlogged ground.

Do They Need Cutting Back?

The RHS recommends removing dead foliage once it has died down.

Do They Need Feeding Every Year?

Not automatically.

Top up the soil with mature compost when necessary and assess plant growth.

How Often Should You Water Walking Onions?

Walking onions need moisture when establishing.

Once they’ve developed a healthy root system, they can tolerate some dry periods.

However, prolonged drought during active growth can reduce plant vigour.

Should You Water Newly Planted Topsets?

Yes, when necessary for establishment.

Do They Need Daily Watering?

No.

What About During Summer?

Check soil moisture during prolonged dry spells.

Can You Overwater?

Absolutely.

Persistent waterlogging can damage roots and bulbs.

Should You Water During Winter?

Outdoor plants usually need very little extra water during normal UK winter weather.

My Recommendation

Aim for reasonably steady moisture during active growth while maintaining good drainage.

What Fertiliser Do Walking Onions Need?

Egyptian walking onions generally don’t need an intensive fertiliser routine.

Start with fertile soil.

Apply mature compost when appropriate and keep competition from weeds under control.

Can You Use Chicken Manure Pellets?

They can be used according to label directions if additional nutrients are needed.

Should You Feed Every Week?

No.

Is Nitrogen Important?

It supports green leaf growth, but excessive application isn’t beneficial.

What About Growing in Pots?

Container plants may need occasional suitable feeding because compost nutrients are limited.

Can Too Much Fertiliser Cause Problems?

Yes.

Excessive nitrogen can encourage soft growth.

My Recommendation

Avoid overcomplicating a hardy perennial vegetable. Healthy soil and good conditions are a better foundation.

When Can You Harvest Walking Onion Leaves?

One of the most useful things about walking onions is their edible green foliage.

These leaves can be harvested during active growth, particularly during spring when they’re young and tender.

They have an onion-like flavour and can be used in many recipes where you might normally use spring onions.

How Do You Harvest Leaves?

Cut selected healthy leaves as required.

Should You Remove Every Leaf?

No.

The plant needs foliage to continue growing.

Can You Harvest During Winter?

Some plants may produce usable leaves during mild periods, but growth depends on the weather.

Can You Use the Leaves Raw?

Yes, when tender, clean and appropriately prepared.

Are Older Leaves Different?

They may become tougher and stronger flavoured.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Take a few leaves from several established plants rather than repeatedly stripping one clump.

When and How to Harvest Walking Onion Topsets

Topsets are the feature that makes this vegetable special.

They develop on tall stems, usually during summer.

As they mature, they form clusters of miniature onions.

These can be eaten or planted.

How Do You Know They’re Ready?

The bulbils should be well formed and reasonably firm.

How Do You Harvest Them?

Cut or carefully separate the mature cluster.

Can You Eat Them Raw?

Yes, but they can have a strong onion flavour.

Can You Cook With Them?

Absolutely.

Can You Plant the Whole Cluster?

Yes, although separating individual bulbils gives more control over spacing.

Should You Harvest Every Topset?

Not necessarily.

Leave some if you want the patch to spread naturally.

My Recommendation

Harvest most of the topsets and leave only a few where you genuinely want new plants.

Can You Harvest the Underground Bulbs?

Yes.

Walking onions also produce edible underground bulbs.

These are generally much smaller than ordinary maincrop cooking onions, often resembling small shallots.

When Can You Harvest Them?

Usually when the plants are mature, often in late summer or autumn.

Can You Harvest the Entire Clump?

Yes.

Will the Plant Grow Back if You Remove Every Bulb?

Not from a fully removed clump unless you have other rooted plants or replanted topsets.

Should You Leave Some Bulbs Behind?

Yes, if you want the patch to remain perennial.

Can You Divide a Clump During Harvest?

Absolutely.

My Recommendation

If you value the crop as a permanent vegetable, harvest selectively rather than digging up every plant.

How to Propagate Walking Onions for Free

One of the best features of this crop is how easily it can multiply.

You can propagate walking onions in two main ways.

Method 1: Planting Topsets

Collect mature bulbils and plant them in autumn or spring.

This is probably the simplest method.

Method 2: Dividing Established Clumps

Older plants can develop multiple underground bulbs in one clump.

Carefully lift the clump and divide the bulbs, ensuring each division has suitable roots or basal tissue.

Replant the divisions at appropriate spacing.

When Should You Divide?

Spring is a useful time, although autumn division can also work in suitable conditions.

How Often Should You Divide?

When the clumps become crowded or productivity declines.

Can You Give Plants Away?

Absolutely.

Topsets and divisions are fantastic to share with other gardeners.

My Recommendation

Keep a few spare topsets each year so you can replace damaged plants or establish another patch.

How to Stop Walking Onions Spreading Everywhere

Walking onions can gradually spread beyond their original position.

However, this is usually easy to manage.

The simplest solution is to harvest the topsets before they fall and root.

Will They Take Over the Entire Allotment?

They’re generally manageable, but unattended clumps can spread locally.

Can You Grow Them Along a Border?

Yes, if you’re happy to monitor new plants.

Can You Remove Unwanted Seedlings?

They’re normally new plants developing from bulbils rather than true seedlings.

Young rooted plants can be lifted and relocated.

Should You Cut Off Every Topset Stalk?

Only if you don’t want to use the topsets or allow further propagation.

Can You Grow Them in a Container?

Yes, and a pot can help contain their spread.

My Recommendation

For a tidy allotment layout, harvest the topsets yourself and plant them only where you want them.

Growing Egyptian Walking Onions in Raised Beds

Raised beds are particularly suitable for a small permanent walking onion collection.

You can keep the plants separated from ordinary annual onion crops and manage their spreading habit more easily.

Is a Raised Bed Deep Enough?

A normal well-prepared vegetable raised bed is usually suitable.

What Soil Should You Use?

Fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.

Can You Plant Near the Edge?

Yes, but remember that tall topset stalks may bend outside the bed.

Should You Use Mulch?

A light layer of mature organic mulch can help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Can You Plant Other Crops Nearby?

Yes, provided they don’t compete excessively or disturb the walking onion roots.

My Recommendation

A small dedicated corner of a raised bed can provide an unusual perennial crop without using too much allotment space.

Growing Walking Onions in Pots

Egyptian walking onions can also be grown in containers.

A reasonably deep pot with good drainage and suitable soil-based compost is helpful.

Choose a container large enough for the clump to develop.

Do You Need a Huge Pot?

Not for a small number of plants, but avoid overcrowding.

Can You Grow Them on a Patio?

Absolutely.

Do Pots Need More Water?

They may dry out more quickly than garden soil.

Do You Need to Divide Potted Clumps?

Yes, when they become crowded.

Can the Topsets Root Outside the Pot?

They may, if their stems bend down onto suitable surrounding soil.

My Recommendation

If you want to enjoy walking onions without letting them spread through an allotment border, a large container is worth considering.

Can Walking Onions Survive UK Winters?

Yes.

Walking onions are generally hardy perennial plants suitable for UK growing conditions.

Their underground bulbs can survive winter and produce new growth when conditions improve.

However, hardiness doesn’t mean they’ll tolerate every possible problem.

Will Frost Kill Them?

Established plants usually tolerate ordinary winter cold.

Can Snow Cover the Plants?

Yes.

Do They Need Fleece?

Not routinely, although newly planted material may benefit from temporary protection during exceptionally harsh conditions.

What About Waterlogged Soil?

This is one of the bigger concerns, particularly on heavy clay ground.

Should You Dig Them Up for Winter?

No, not normally.

Gardening with Ben Tip

If your allotment becomes saturated during winter, establish walking onions in the best-drained part of the plot rather than assuming their hardiness will overcome standing water.

Common Pests and Diseases of Walking Onions

Walking onions can suffer from several problems that affect other members of the onion family.

Onion White Rot

A serious soil-borne disease that can persist for many years.

Avoid planting susceptible alliums into known contaminated ground.

Onion Fly

Larvae may damage underground bulbs and cause wilting.

Leek Moth

Larvae can damage onion-family foliage.

Onion Downy Mildew

Humid conditions can encourage this leaf disease.

Leek Rust

Orange pustules may develop on the foliage.

Neck Rot

May affect harvested bulbs in unsuitable conditions.

How Can You Reduce Problems?

Use healthy planting material, maintain good drainage, avoid overcrowding and inspect plants regularly.

Because walking onions are perennial, it’s particularly important to choose a healthy planting location from the beginning.

Why Aren’t My Walking Onions Producing Topsets?

This is a common concern with young plants.

But don’t assume something is wrong if a newly planted topset produces only leaves during its first year.

Young plants often concentrate on establishing themselves.

Are the Plants Too Young?

Possibly.

Is There Enough Sunlight?

Insufficient light can reduce growth and vigour.

Are the Clumps Too Crowded?

Older overcrowded clumps may benefit from division.

Is the Soil Too Dry?

Prolonged drought can restrict development.

Have You Harvested Too Much Foliage?

Repeated heavy cutting may weaken the plant.

Could the Planting Material Be Misidentified?

Yes.

Make sure you’re growing genuine Egyptian walking onions rather than an ordinary bunching onion.

My Recommendation

Give new plants time to establish and maintain healthy growing conditions before expecting heavy topset production.

Best Ways to Eat Egyptian Walking Onions

Walking onions are particularly versatile because several parts are edible.

Fresh Green Leaves

Use finely chopped in salads, soups, scrambled eggs and savoury dishes.

Topsets

The miniature bulbs can be peeled and cooked much like small onions.

Pickled Topsets

Their small size makes them suitable for pickling.

Roasted Bulbils

Roast with a little oil until tender.

Underground Bulbs

Use in dishes that benefit from a strong onion flavour.

Stir-Fries

Tender greens can be added towards the end of cooking.

Homemade Onion Soup

Use the underground bulbs or topsets alongside ordinary onions.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Because walking onions may have a stronger flavour than mild salad onions, taste a small amount before adding lots to a recipe.

Month-by-Month Walking Onion Growing Calendar

Month	Main jobs
January	Check established plants and winter drainage
February	Look for new growth in milder weather
March	Plant topsets or divide mature clumps
April	Harvest limited tender greens from established plants
May	Weed and maintain moisture during active growth
June	Monitor developing topset stalks
July	Harvest mature topsets as they form
August	Continue harvesting bulbils and divide crowded clumps where appropriate
September	Plant mature topsets in prepared soil
October	Finish autumn planting and remove unwanted spread
November	Check drainage and tidy dying foliage
December	Leave established bulbs in the ground and plan next year’s patch

Ten Common Walking Onion Growing Mistakes

1. Treating Them Exactly Like Ordinary Storage Onions

Walking onions are perennial and generally produce smaller underground bulbs.

2. Buying the Wrong Planting Material

Look for genuine walking onion topsets or plants.

3. Planting in Waterlogged Soil

Hardy plants still need adequate drainage.

4. Burying Tiny Topsets Too Deeply

Plant shallowly.

5. Crowding Permanent Clumps

Allow room for perennial growth.

6. Harvesting All the Leaves From Young Plants

Keep enough foliage for continued growth.

7. Allowing Every Topset to Fall

Harvest topsets to control unwanted spreading.

8. Forgetting to Divide Older Clumps

Crowding can reduce productivity.

9. Expecting Large Topsets During the First Year

New plants may need time to establish.

10. Digging Up Every Underground Bulb

Leave planting material behind if you want the patch to continue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Walking Onions

What are Egyptian walking onions?

They’re perennial onions that produce edible leaves, underground bulbs and miniature onions at the tops of their stems.

Why are they called walking onions?

Heavy topsets can bend the stems downwards, allowing the bulbils to root and form new plants.

Can you grow walking onions in the UK?

Yes, they’re suitable for UK gardens and allotments.

Are Egyptian walking onions perennial?

Yes.

Do walking onions come back every year?

Established plants normally return each year.

What is their botanical name?

Allium × proliferum.

Are walking onions the same as tree onions?

Yes, tree onion is another common name.

When should you plant walking onions?

Autumn or spring.

What do you plant?

Topsets, bulbils or divided underground bulbs.

How deep should you plant walking onion topsets?

Plant shallowly, generally around 2–3 cm depending on bulbil size.

How far apart should they be planted?

A practical spacing for permanent clumps is around 15–25 cm.

Do walking onions need full sun?

Full sun is best.

Can walking onions grow in clay soil?

Yes, provided drainage is adequate.

Can you grow them in raised beds?

Absolutely.

Can you grow walking onions in pots?

Yes.

Can you grow walking onions from seeds?

They’re usually propagated by topsets or division because viable true seed is uncommon.

Do walking onions grow in winter?

They survive winter as perennials, although visible growth is often slow.

Are walking onions frost hardy?

Yes, established plants are generally hardy in UK conditions.

When do walking onions produce topsets?

Usually during the warmer growing season once plants are established.

Do they produce topsets in their first year?

Sometimes, but many young plants take longer.

Can you eat walking onion topsets?

Yes.

Can you eat the green leaves?

Absolutely.

Can you eat the underground bulbs?

Yes.

Do they taste like normal onions?

They have an onion-like flavour, sometimes quite strong.

Do walking onions spread quickly?

They can spread gradually by rooting topsets and multiplying underground.

How do you stop them spreading?

Harvest the topsets before they fall.

When should you divide walking onions?

When clumps become crowded, often during spring or autumn.

Do walking onions suffer from white rot?

Yes, they can be affected by diseases common to other alliums.

Are walking onions worth growing?

Yes, particularly if you enjoy unusual perennial vegetables and want a crop that can provide leaves and bulbils over several seasons.

Final Thoughts: Are Egyptian Walking Onions Worth Growing?

For me, Egyptian walking onions are one of those fascinating vegetables that make allotment gardening so enjoyable.

They’re completely different from the ordinary onions we usually plant as sets each spring or autumn.

Instead of simply growing one main bulb and harvesting the plant, walking onions can come back year after year.

You can enjoy fresh green leaves during spring.

Then, as the plants mature, you’ll see those amazing clusters of miniature onions developing at the tops of their stems.

And of course, if you allow the stems to bend towards the ground, some of those topsets can root and produce new plants.

It’s a brilliant way to watch natural plant propagation in action.

If you’re considering growing walking onions, I’d recommend starting with a small number of topsets.

Choose a sunny, well-drained position and plant them during autumn or spring.

Give them enough room to establish and keep the weeds under control.

Don’t worry if they don’t produce lots of topsets during the first season.

They’re building a strong root system and developing into established perennial plants.

Once you’ve got a healthy clump, you can harvest the leaves, collect topsets for cooking or propagation and divide mature plants when necessary.

And if you don’t want them spreading around the allotment, simply harvest the topsets before they fall.

One of the things I particularly like about this unusual onion is that it gives you something different to talk about in the garden.

Imagine showing someone a tall onion plant with clusters of tiny onions growing at the top!

It’s a fantastic conversation starter.

And it’s also a productive vegetable that can be used in the kitchen.

From salads and soups to stir-fries and pickled topsets, there are plenty of ways to make use of the harvest.

So why not give Egyptian walking onions a try?

They could become one of the most interesting perennial vegetables on your allotment.

Keep smiling, keep shining, keep gardening with Ben!