ARTICLES

EGYPTIAN ONION

Allium cepa (proliferum group)/syn. A. cepa var. viviparum

Egyptian Onion is a rather

unusual bulb plant. New

bulbs develop in the air,

often one on top of the

other in clusters along the

stem.

Easy to grow--tasty to eat

Egyptian Onion is a delightful garden vegetable. It is not only useful, it is decorative too.

Grow it in a flower bed together with roses and lavender, or in the vegetable garden with lettuce and carrots. It is also ideal for a tub on a balcony.

A variety of the common onion

The Allium family is related to the Lily family and sometimes included in it. The species Allium cepa is native to Western Asia. It consists of 3 principal groups: the

Cepa group (common onions), the Aggregatum group (multiplier onions, shallots), and the Proliferum group, which includes the Egyptian Onion.

When the leaves have died, the plant can survive by storing all its nourishment in the bulb and, when the time comes, new leaves are sent up in the air. All edible onions are full of vitamins and nourishment. Although usually thought of as "hot," they contain sugar, as well as traces of calcium, phosphorous and iron.

Small bulbs instead of flowers

Egyptian onion is an unusual kind of bulb plant. Down in the soil, it has a bulb which produces offsets in the same way as other bulbs, such as scallions. Above the soil a ring of small bulbs appears at the end of the flower stems. On top of this grows another ring. This may go on for several inches if yet a third ring appears, although this is not very common.

New plants from the small bulbs

Many bulb plants grow small bulbils in their flower heads instead of flowers. Sometimes both appear together. The woodland species A. scorodoprasum is an example of this. It produces small bulbils with the occasional single flower in the center of the cluster. These take the place of seeds in the future survival of the plant. If these rather heavy "bulbs" are allowed to remain unharvested, the stem will eventually wither and fall down onto the soil. The small bulbils soon send out roots and a new generation is born. Simple and effective!

Plant Doctor

Egyptian Onion is seldom prey to insects or diseases--not

even aphids! Perhaps they don't like the strong taste.

⁬ Rust-colored patches on the green stems and leaves

may mean Onion Rust. Nothing will help, but transplanting

to new, uninfected soil. Do not grow onions in the infected

spot for several years. Minor attacks may disappear the

following year. The fungus is only active under certain

weather and soil conditions.

The gourmet touch

Egyptian Onion is not only one of the curiosities of the plant world, it is a delight to use in cooking. The bulbils--really "baby" onions--have a fine, mild flavor. They can be dried and

stored for months, even years in a cool and airy place. Use them whole in casseroles and add them to fish dishes for an unusual culinary touch.

Saute and use them to garnish beef dishes too or add them to a salad.

Herb vinegar

Try making some herb vinegar. Use a single herb, or use some combinations. Try on or a combination of Sage, Basil or Thyme and add Egyptian Onions for the final touch of perfection. The herbs will float and the onions will rest on the bottom of the flask.

Save some bulbs for planting out the following hear to start again. The bulbs from the previous year will still be there--they are perennial--but a crop of new, young plants can soon develop as well.

Buying Tips

It used to be difficult to find this interesting

plant, but some specialty mail-order

nurseries have it. Another way is to beg

some plants from someone who already has

some.

Lifespan: Hardy perennial.

Season: The bulbs appear in spring-

summer.

Difficulty quotient: Very easy.

Also called: Top Onion

In Brief

Size and growth rate

Egyptian Onion's stems are rather thick. Use the leaves a little like chives. The tiny onions grow at the tip of the stems in place of flowers. The bulbs in the ground also produce offsets.

Flowering and fragrance

These plants seldom flower, they "onion" instead. The entire plant smells of onion.

Light and temperature

Will flourish in a warm and sunny spot in the garden or on a balcony. A hardy perennial.

Watering and feeding

Provide a good, nourishing soil. Feed plants grown in tubs and boxes a couple of times during the summer. Water when needed.

Soil and transplanting

Well-drained fertile soil is best. Transplant only if the bulbs are growing in pots or boxes, or if they've become infected with rust. Pot before the season begins.

Grooming

None.

Propagating

Use the aerial bulbs for new plants. Plant 12 inches apart, closer in tubs.

Environment

Excellent plants for the vegetable garden or for growing in boxes or tubs. A rather unusual growth habit which can be decorative together with other plants.