Here is a short article I wrote about growing green onions indoors, by planting the smaller Egyptian Onion Top Set Bulbs in January. Brighten up your space, and have fresh green onions; then plant outside mid to late March (I am in zone 5b.)
Secret Revealed: How
to Grow Fresh Green Onion Microgreens! Perfect for the do it yourself homesteader. Enjoy fresh onions year-round.
If you love fresh green onions, and have difficulty finding
them in winter, you can easily grow green onion microgreens quickly indoors,
without a trip to the grocer. Just plant
the small bulblets, water, place in a sunny spot, and let nature do the rest. This
type of onion is recommended for everyone!
Early Utah pioneers used them for seasoning and sustenance. The top set
onions are a highly rated survival food, and they are easily grown in
containers. Walking onions are a great
conversation piece, and can be easily shared with friends and neighbors.
The secret to having fresh green onions in January is found
in a prolific, hardy variety of onion named the Egyptian Walking Onion, Allium proliferum. The onion produces top sets,
which form bulbils, that bend over and replant themselves at the end of the
growing season.
In the fall, gather and store the smaller topsets containing
bulbils in the refrigerator, or in a cool, dark place. Replant the larger bulbs outside; they will
continue to grow, even underneath the snow. Keep the stored bulbs at a steady
temperature, so they won’t sprout to early; and don’t water until you are ready
to plant. Watering before planting makes the bulbs soggy.
Microgreens and Beyond
In mid-winter, take the small bulblets out of refrigeration,
and separate the bulbs from the top sets.
Prepare the planting container, and ensure it has adequate
drainage. Place at least 3” of soil mix
in the container, to allow the roots to establish themselves.
For an inexpensive container, use plastic milk jugs. You may leave the handle on for easy
transport, or if you need to save space, cut off the top of the container, and
use the bottom for planting. Important: Punch drainage holes in the bottom of
milk jug before cutting!
Next, plant the bulbs.
Don’t be afraid to pack them in; allow some room between bulbs. Plant the bulblets with the pointed top up similar
to planting a tulip, and then cover lightly; it is alright if the tops poke out of
the soil a bit.
After cutting the fresh greens once or twice for tasty,
fresh microgreens, plant them outside in March for a continual supply. Don’t
over-cut, because the plants need the tops for sustained growth. These hearty
onions fare well in containers too; you will be surprised at the results.
Harden them off for a bit before moving them outside to their permanent home,
to give them time to adjust to the temperature and sunlight change. Cover and/or mulch the green tops if a hard
freeze is expected soon after planting; they will adjust to the cold. You may
never have to buy green onions again!
Once the onions are established outside, you can cut and dry
the green onions or continue to use them fresh.
The onion bulbs in the ground can be used fresh, or dried and powdered
for long term storage. In fall, the top
sets of bulbs bend over and touch the ground, starting the cycle of growth over
again. The onions grow greens even under
the snow; they can also be covered, or planted in a cold frame for extra early
or late harvests. The underground bulbs increase and divide; they may also be
replanted, and are a very good fresh onion, although they do not store well,
and are best stored in the ground.
Planting
Egyptian Walking Onions are hardy
for USDA zones 3-9, and they prefer full sun. Plants are easily established, and grow to
full size the second year. Water during dry spells; and fertilize lightly. I have found some of the largest onions were
grown in pots, benefiting from rich soil, less competition, excellent
drainage, and regular watering on the porch or patio. Planting the bulblets into pots the first year is recommended. These onions are tough; they
are one of the few plants that can grow near black walnuts.
Keep the growing cycle going, and enjoy fresh, healthy
onions year-round!
~Author: Laura Flora Snow 1-25-2019
Here is a link to the article:
https://www.permaculture.co.uk/readers-solutions/how-grow-fresh-green-onion-microgreens?fbclid=IwAR2ncQCTCD8NxlvGXJLZeckWKR5GIaXyiGmdZPRfP_v7kGaCuwkngRv0jPI
Plant onions outdoors in spring, and save the small bulbs for winter growing.
