Egyptian walking onion: How to Grow, Harvest, Fertilize, and Use Egyptian walking onion
Written By: Rob Gardener Last Updated:
My Journey with Egyptian Walking Onions: A First-Person Account
As I sit here, surrounded by the lush greenery of my garden, I am reminded of the incredible journey I've been on with Egyptian walking onions. For those who may not know, these remarkable bulbs are a type of wild onion that grows on the ground and can be harvested in as little as 6-8 weeks. In this article, I'll take you through my experiences with growing Egyptian walking onions, from the initial planting to the final harvest.
Getting Started
It all began with a seed packet that I had picked up from a local nursery. I was intrigued by the idea of growing something that would require minimal care and could thrive in poor soil. I had heard of Egyptian walking onions before, but never thought I'd have the chance to try growing them myself. So, I decided to take the plunge and give it a shot.
I chose a spot in my garden that received full sun and had well-drained soil. I prepared the soil by adding a mix of compost and fertilizer, and then planted the seeds about ¼ inch deep. I watered them gently but thoroughly, making sure not to overwater.
The Waiting Game
The next few weeks were some of the most exciting times for me. I would check on my seeds daily, eager to see if they had germinated. And then, about 6-8 weeks later, I started to see the first signs of growth. The little green shoots began to emerge, and I knew that I was on the right track.
As the days went by, the shoots grew taller and stronger, and I started to notice the characteristic white flowers that Egyptian walking onions are known for. It was a beautiful sight to see, and I couldn't wait to harvest the onions.
Harvesting the Onions
The moment of truth finally arrived when I saw that the onions were ready to be harvested. I carefully dug around the base of each onion, taking care not to damage the bulbs. I gently pulled them out of the ground, and voilà! I had my first Egyptian walking onion.
The onions were small, but they were perfect for cooking. I used them in a salad, sautéed them with some garlic, and even made a delicious onion soup. The flavor was incredible, and I knew that all the hard work had been worth it.
Tips and Tricks
As I continued to grow my Egyptian walking onions, I realized that there were a few things that I had gotten right, and a few things that I could improve on. Here are some tips and tricks that I would recommend to anyone who wants to grow these incredible bulbs:
- Make sure to plant the seeds in well-drained soil, as Egyptian walking onions don't like wet feet.
- Water them gently but thoroughly, as overwatering can be detrimental to the plants.
- Harvest the onions when the tops of the plants start to yellow and fall over, as this is usually a sign that the bulbs are ready.
- Use a sharp knife to carefully dig around the base of each onion, as this will help prevent damage to the bulbs.
- Consider growing Egyptian walking onions in containers, as this can help prevent the spread of weeds and make harvesting easier.
Conclusion
Growing Egyptian walking onions has been an incredible experience for me. From the initial planting to the final harvest, it's been a journey of discovery and growth. I've learned so much about these incredible bulbs, and I'm excited to continue growing and experimenting with them.
If you're thinking of trying your hand at growing Egyptian walking onions, I say go for it! They're easy to grow, and the rewards are well worth the effort. Happy gardening!