Welsh onion seeds - Allium fistulosum

Allium fistulosum - Welsh onion

A perennial onion that regrows each year from the same clump and produces fresh, tender green leaves from spring to autumn. Allium fistulosum forms very large, hollow, tubular leaves with a mild onion flavor - it is the classic scallion of Asian cuisine and a plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. You may also find this plant under the names winter scallion, winter onion, Japanese onion, or Welsh onion.

Appearance and growth habit

The plant grows in compact, upright clumps. The leaves are narrow, tubular, hollow inside, and medium green. In July and August, spherical, yellowish-white flower heads appear on hollow stems, and the whole plant reaches about 40 cm in height when flowering.

Cultivation

This is a frost-hardy perennial in USDA zones 4-7, so it overwinters outdoors in the ground without problems in Poland. It has no special soil requirements - ordinary garden soil is sufficient. The clump can be cut for its green leaves for years, then divided and replanted every few seasons.

Uses

Young leaves and the thickened lower parts of the stems are used like chives and scallions: in salads, cottage cheese, soups, stir-fries, and as a green garnish. The flowers are popular with bees, so Welsh onion is also a good choice for a pollinator-friendly garden.

Seed data

Number of seeds per 1 g: approx. 414. The seeds germinate at around 20°C with constant, moderate substrate moisture; cover them with a thin layer of soil, while very small seeds should only be pressed into the substrate. After emergence, keep the seedlings in a slightly cooler, bright location.