What To Know
- Learning how to grow garlic onions is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the unique, pungent taste of these alliums, fresh from your own backyard.
- They produce a cluster of small, garlic-flavored bulbs at the base of the plant, as well as a flowering stalk that produces tiny bulblets known as “topsets.
- Store the bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, such as a basement or pantry.
Are you ready to add a burst of flavor to your garden and kitchen? Learning how to grow garlic onions is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the unique, pungent taste of these alliums, fresh from your own backyard. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from selecting the right variety to harvesting your flavorful bounty.
Understanding Garlic Onions
Garlic onions, also known as “Egyptian walking onions,” are a fascinating and versatile variety of onion. They produce a cluster of small, garlic-flavored bulbs at the base of the plant, as well as a flowering stalk that produces tiny bulblets known as “topsets.” These topsets can be used for propagation, adding to the unique character of this onion variety.
Choosing the Right Variety
The first step to growing garlic onions is deciding which variety best suits your needs and climate. While there are several varieties available, some popular options include:
- White Garlic Onion: This variety produces white bulbs with a strong garlic flavor.
- Red Garlic Onion: This variety offers a reddish-purple bulb with a slightly milder garlic flavor.
- Egyptian Walking Onion: This variety is known for its prolific bulb production and ability to “walk” by producing new bulbs along the stem.
Planting Garlic Onions
Garlic onions can be planted in the spring or fall, depending on your climate.
Spring Planting:
- Timing: Plant garlic onions in the spring after the last frost has passed.
- Preparation: Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve fertility and drainage.
- Spacing: Space the bulbs 6-8 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches wide.
- Depth: Plant the bulbs with the pointed end facing up, about 1-2 inches deep.
Fall Planting:
- Timing: Plant garlic onions in the fall, 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
- Preparation: Follow the same soil preparation steps as for spring planting.
- Spacing: Space the bulbs 6-8 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches wide.
- Depth: Plant the bulbs with the pointed end facing up, about 1-2 inches deep.
Caring for Garlic Onions
Once your garlic onions are planted, proper care is crucial for a successful harvest.
Watering:
- Water your garlic onions regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim for deep, infrequent watering to encourage root development.
- Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing:
- Garlic onions are relatively heavy feeders. Apply a balanced fertilizer a few weeks after planting and again during the growing season.
- You can also use organic options like compost tea or fish emulsion.
Weeding:
- Keep your garden bed free of weeds, as they compete with your garlic onions for nutrients and water.
Pest Control:
- Garlic onions are generally pest-resistant, but keep an eye out for common onion pests like onion flies and aphids.
- Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary.
Harvesting Garlic Onions
Harvesting garlic onions is a simple process that yields a flavorful reward.
Harvesting the Bulbs:
- Timing: Harvest the bulbs when they are fully mature, typically 8-10 weeks after planting.
- Signs of Maturity: The bulbs should be firm and the tops of the plants should be starting to turn brown and dry.
- Method: Carefully dig up the bulbs using a garden fork or trowel, taking care not to damage them.
Harvesting the Topsets:
- Timing: Harvest the topsets when they are about the size of a pea.
- Method: Cut the flower stalk just below the topsets.
- Storage: Store the topsets in a cool, dry place until ready to plant.
Storing Garlic Onions
Proper storage is essential for preserving the flavor and freshness of your garlic onion harvest.
Bulbs:
- Method: Store the bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, such as a basement or pantry.
- Duration: Garlic onions can be stored for several months under optimal conditions.
Topsets:
- Method: Store the topsets in a cool, dry place, such as a refrigerator.
- Duration: Topsets can be stored for several months until ready to plant.
Propagating Garlic Onions
One of the unique aspects of garlic onions is their ability to propagate through topsets.
Planting Topsets:
- Timing: Plant topsets in the spring or fall, similar to bulbs.
- Preparation: Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure.
- Spacing: Space the topsets 6-8 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches wide.
- Depth: Plant the topsets about 1-2 inches deep.
Growing from Topsets:
- Time: Topsets typically take 1-2 years to produce mature bulbs.
- Care: Water and fertilize the topsets regularly, just like bulbs.
Enjoying Your Garlic Onions
Once you’ve harvested your garlic onions, there are countless ways to enjoy their unique flavor!
Cooking:
- Flavoring Dishes: Garlic onions add a distinct garlic flavor to soups, stews, sauces, and stir-fries.
- Pickling: Garlic onions can be pickled for a tangy and flavorful treat.
- Salads: Sliced garlic onions add a pungent bite to salads.
Other Uses:
- Medicinal: Garlic onions are believed to have medicinal properties, similar to regular garlic.
- Pest Control: Garlic onions can be used to repel certain pests.
The End of the Harvest: The Next Chapter
Congratulations! You’ve successfully grown your own garlic onions, from seed to harvest. Now, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. But the journey doesn‘t end here. You can use the topsets you’ve collected to start new plants, ensuring a continuous cycle of flavorful garlic onions in your garden.
Questions You May Have
Q: Can I grow garlic onions in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow garlic onions in containers. Choose a container at least 12 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the root system.
Q: How long does it take for garlic onions to mature?
A: Garlic onions typically take 8-10 weeks to mature from planting to harvest.
Q: What are the signs of a mature garlic onion bulb?
A: A mature garlic onion bulb will be firm and the tops of the plants will start to turn brown and dry.
Q: Can I eat the topsets of garlic onions?
A: Yes, garlic onion topsets are edible and have a similar flavor to the bulbs.
Q: How do I prevent onion flies from damaging my garlic onions?
A: You can prevent onion flies by using row covers or by using a natural insecticide like neem oil.
