Egyptian Walking Onions

The Egyptian Walking Onion is a hardy, perennial onion that lives up to its name—after producing clusters of small bulbils at the top of its stalks, the plant "walks" by bending over and reseeding itself, creating a self-sustaining onion patch. A favorite among homesteaders and permaculture enthusiasts, this low-maintenance plant provides year-round harvests of green onion tops, tender young bulbs, and pungent underground bulbs for cooking, pickling, and seasoning. With origins tracing back centuries, Egyptian Walking Onions are believed to have been cultivated for their resilience and adaptability, making them an excellent perennial alternative to traditional onions. Perfect for food forests, raised beds, and permaculture gardens, they thrive in various climates, even surviving harsh winters.

Latin Name: Allium × proliferum
Site and Soil: Thrives in full sun and well-draining soil; tolerates poor soil and drought conditions once established.
Bearing Age: Perennial; produces in the first year, with multiplying clusters each season.
Size at Maturity: Grows 12–24 inches tall with clusters of small bulbils forming at the top of the stalks.
Ripening Time: Bulbs can be harvested year-round; green shoots in early spring, top sets in summer, and underground bulbs in fall and winter.
Pests & Diseases: Highly resistant to pests and diseases but may occasionally attract onion maggots or thrips. Good airflow and crop rotation help prevent fungal issues.
USDA Zone: Hardy in zones 3–10; extremely cold-hardy and can survive winter freezes, returning each year.