Allium fistulosum

Cultivation

It is cultivated as a perennial (pull separate onions out from the bunch) or as an annual. Plant in the same place.

Distance between plants

At least 40 cm (15 in) between the rows, at least 15 cm (15 in) for perennials and ar. 5 cm (2 in) for annuals.

Location

Sunny to half-shaded.

Amount

Two bunches per family.

Time of planting

From March on; August and September for overwintering sorts. The seeds germinate in 12 days.

Fertilization

The annuals only need a lot of potassium in the soil. Fertilize the perennials with compost.

Watering

Water frequently in drought, but not too deep – upper 10 cm (4 in) of soil.

Bunching onion’s good neighbors

Zucchini, kohlrabi, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, parsnip, parsley, beetroot, lettuce, strawberries, anis, dill, chamomile, potato, radicchio.

Bunching onion’s bad neighbors

Beans, peas, broad beans, chickpea, Brussels sprout, cauliflower, black radish, chives, garlic, leek, Chinese cabbage, Savoy cabbage, cabbage.

Diseases and pests

Onion fly, thrips. Set adhesive boards near and when the first flies get caught, cover tightly (with arches over the plants). Keep the soil soft and the right distance between the rows. Don’t plant in the same place for at least five years. Don’t fertilize with nitrogen or barn manure.

Bunching onion’s storage

Pick separate onions regularly when needed.

Food

Use the bulbs and the leaves. It contains a wide array of vitamins.

Important

If it is grown as a perennial, cover at the sides with compost or soil in fall.

Miscellaneous

Instead of blooms, little bulbs appear which can be used as onions as well.