At a Glance
- The continuous harvest of sets allows you to enjoy fresh garlic onions throughout the growing season, while the mature bulbs provide a delicious and versatile ingredient for cooking.
- As your garlic onion harvest comes to an end, you’ll be left with a sense of accomplishment and a pantry full of flavorful bounty.
- Remember, these unique onions are a testament to your gardening efforts and a reminder of the rewards that come with nurturing the earth.
Garlic onions, also known as “Egyptian walking onions,” are a unique and flavorful variety of onion that produces multiple sets of bulbs along the stem. These bulbs, known as “sets,” can be harvested throughout the growing season, making them a rewarding and versatile addition to any garden. If you’re wondering how to grow garlic onions, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from seed to harvest, ensuring a bountiful crop of these delicious and nutritious onions.
Understanding Garlic Onions
Garlic onions are a perennial variety of onion, meaning they can live for several years and produce multiple harvests. They are known for their distinctive flavor, which is a combination of garlic and onion, and their ability to produce multiple sets of bulbs along the stem. These sets, also called “bulblets,” can be harvested throughout the growing season, providing a continuous supply of fresh garlic onions.
Choosing the Right Location and Soil
Garlic onions thrive in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility.
Planting Garlic Onions
Garlic onions can be grown from seed, sets, or divisions.
Planting from seed:
- Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring or fall.
- Space seeds 1/2 inch apart and cover them with 1/4 inch of soil.
- Keep the soil consistently moist until germination.
Planting from sets:
- Plant sets in early spring or fall, spacing them 4-6 inches apart.
- Plant the sets 1-2 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Planting from divisions:
- Divide mature garlic onion plants in the spring or fall.
- Plant the divisions 4-6 inches apart, with the roots facing down.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Caring for Garlic Onions
Once planted, garlic onions require minimal care.
Watering:
- Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Fertilizing:
- Fertilize garlic onions lightly every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of bulb production.
Weeding:
- Keep the area around your garlic onions free of weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
Mulching:
- Apply a layer of mulch around your garlic onions to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Harvesting Garlic Onions
Garlic onions can be harvested throughout the growing season.
Harvesting sets:
- Harvest sets as they mature, typically when they are about the size of a dime.
- Simply pinch off the sets from the stem.
- You can continue to harvest sets throughout the growing season.
Harvesting bulbs:
- Harvest bulbs in the fall, after the foliage has died back.
- Dig up the bulbs and allow them to dry in a cool, dry place for a few weeks.
Storing Garlic Onions
Garlic onions can be stored for several months in a cool, dry place.
Storing sets:
- Store sets in a cool, dry place, such as a refrigerator or root cellar.
Storing bulbs:
- Store bulbs in a cool, dry place, such as a refrigerator or root cellar.
The Rewards of Growing Garlic Onions
Growing garlic onions is a rewarding experience, offering a unique and flavorful addition to your garden and kitchen. The continuous harvest of sets allows you to enjoy fresh garlic onions throughout the growing season, while the mature bulbs provide a delicious and versatile ingredient for cooking.
Beyond the Harvest: Garlic Onion Benefits
Beyond their culinary appeal, garlic onions offer a range of benefits for your health and garden.
Health Benefits:
- Garlic onions are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering potential health benefits such as boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and lowering cholesterol levels.
Garden Benefits:
- Garlic onions are known to repel pests, making them a natural companion plant for other vegetables.
- Their deep roots help to improve soil structure and drainage.
The End of the Journey: A Farewell to Your Garlic Onion Harvest
As your garlic onion harvest comes to an end, you’ll be left with a sense of accomplishment and a pantry full of flavorful bounty. Remember, these unique onions are a testament to your gardening efforts and a reminder of the rewards that come with nurturing the earth.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: How long does it take for garlic onions to mature?
A: Garlic onion sets can be harvested within a few months of planting, while mature bulbs typically take 8-10 months to mature.
Q: Can I grow garlic onions in containers?
A: Yes, garlic onions can be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep.
Q: What are some pests and diseases that affect garlic onions?
A: Garlic onions are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to onion flies, onion thrips, and fungal diseases such as downy mildew and white rot.
Q: Can I eat the entire garlic onion plant?
A: Yes, the entire garlic onion plant is edible, including the leaves and stems. The leaves have a milder flavor than the bulbs, and can be used in salads or stir-fries.
Q: How do I prevent garlic onions from spreading too much?
A: Garlic onions can spread by seed and by underground bulbs. To prevent them from spreading too much, you can harvest the bulbs before they go to seed and remove any unwanted plants.
