The tree onion is a very cold hardy, perennial onion that is unique and easy to grow. It's also known as the Egyptian Walking Onion, top onion, winter onion, or walking onions. This onion is not only edible, it's also ornamental!. At the top of the plant little "bulbs" form that can be used fresh, or they can be stored, much like garlic.

Egyptian onions are hardy to Zone 3, and can be planted in the fall. They are called "walking" onions because of the unique way the bulbs clusters bend down from the weight of the bulbs as they grow, eventually touching the ground, and taking root.

Ideal Site- Tree onions prefer sunny open location with soil that will not become waterlogged in the winter. Prior to planting prepare the soil with a medium-fertility soil improver such as compost, or  Organic Compost Plus which can be applied like mulch. The plants are attractive enough to fit into an ornamental garden. The ideal soil pH is 6-7

Cultivation- Tree onions are started from bulbs or ‘sets’. They are very hardy and can be planted from early spring until late autumn or early winter. If you would like to plant and keep for producing more sets, sow them in a perennial flower garden, where they will be tended and cared for year after year. If you are planting for the sake of green onions, wait until spring to sow. The sets will keep in a cool, dry place throughout the winter.

Spacing- If you have many sets, and wish to plant them for use as green onions, sow 4-6 in (10-15cm) apart, in rows 12in (30cm) apart, with a 1in (2.5cm) of soil over the top of the set. Block Planting: Plant the sets, with the tips pointing upward, 8in (20cm) apart, with a 1in (2.5cm) of soil over the top of the set.

Plant Care- Water thoroughly and keep moist until you see signs of new growth. Once they are established, water whenever the soil dries out.

Allow the plants to mature naturally. The stems will gradually bend until the tiny top bulbs touch ground and take root. Allow these new plants to take root as they will produce next years onions. Once the bulbs have taken root, clip any remaining stems attached to the bulb.

Problems- Tree onion are generally problem free but onion thrips, stem and bulb nematodes, downy mildew, onion white rot can occur.

Harvesting- When growing in a perennial garden pick small bulbs that form on the top of the plant when they are young for your cooking needs. They will be sweet and tender early in the year. As they mature these tiny bulbs develop a strong flavor and become tough as they prepare for the work of reproducing.

Pull the original onions, once tops have died back and the onion has reached maturity, and shake off any soil that remains. Do not wash them at this point as it may encourage rot. Place the onions in a cool dry place to dry. Outside in a shaded area is ideal, provided the weather is warm and dry. Allow them to set for several days. Remove roots and stalks leaving 1in (2.5cm) stem at the top of the onion. If you wish to braid your onions you may wish to leave a longer stem.

Nutrients- Tree onions contain chromium, copper, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, folate, molybderum, tryptophan, dietary fiber, and vitamin B6, C