Walking Onion

Walking Onion: Self-Propagating Perennial Allium

(Allium × proliferum)

Walking onions, also known as Egyptian walking onions or tree onions, are a unique and low-maintenance member of the Allium family. These perennial plants offer both edible greens and bulbs, with an intriguing method of self-propagation.

Growing to 2-3 feet tall, walking onions produce small, round bulblets at the top of their hollow stems. As these bulblets grow heavier, they cause the stem to bend to the ground, where the bulblets take root, giving the plant its “walking” characteristic.

All parts of the walking onion are edible. The underground bulbs have a strong flavor similar to shallots, while the greens can be used like chives. The topset bulblets are also edible and can be used in cooking or replanted.

Walking onions prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They’re extremely hardy, typically thriving in USDA zones 3-9. Once established, they require minimal care and will spread gradually over time.

At Humble Abode Nursery, we offer walking onion plants from vigorous, productive strains. Our stock is grown using organic practices to ensure healthy, disease-free specimens. We cultivate walking onions as part of our commitment to promoting resilient, self-propagating food plants. These onions represent an opportunity to establish a long-term, low-maintenance allium crop in your garden.

Consider adding walking onions to your garden if you’re interested in perennial vegetables, looking for plants that can self-propagate, or want to ensure a consistent supply of onion-family flavors in your kitchen.