Welsh onionAllium fistulosum

Welsh onion

Welsh onions

1. bunching onion
2. green onion
3. scallion

1. bunching onion
2. green onion
3. scallion

1. Welsh onion
2. bunching onion
3. green onion
4. scallion

1. Tracheophytes
2. Angiosperms
3. Monocots
4. Asparagales

Amaryllis family

1. leaves
2. stems

Welsh onions are versatile and easy-to-care-for vegetables that should not be missing from any garden. They offer a long harvest period and are a delight both raw and cooked.

For a continuous harvest, staggered sowing is recommended. Ensure a sunny to partial shade location and well-drained soil.

Harvest the leaves as needed by cutting them about 2-3 cm above the ground. The plants will then regrow. Ideal for salads, soups, and Asian dishes.

1. Tasksow_indoor

   Label

   Start pre-culture

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 2

   Conditionfrost_free_environment

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   For an early spring harvest.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Direct sow outdoors

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 3

   Conditionsoil_workable

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   First direct sowing for the main harvest.

2. Tasksow_indoor

   Label

   Continue pre-culture

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 3

   Conditionfrost_free_environment

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Possibly sow more for staggered harvest.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Direct sow outdoors

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 4

   Conditionsoil_workable

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Resow every 3-4 weeks for continuous harvest.

2. Taskplant_out

   Label

   Plant out seedlings

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4

   Conditionafter_last_frost

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Transplant pre-cultured plants outdoors after the last expected frosts.

3. Taskwater

   Label

   Water regularly

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 4

   Conditiondry_weather

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Especially important after sowing and transplanting.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Direct sow outdoors

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5

   Conditionsoil_workable

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Resow every 3-4 weeks for continuous harvest.

2. Taskharvest

   Label

   First harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5

   Conditionplants_mature

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   As soon as leaves reach a good size.

3. Taskwater

   Label

   Water regularly

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5

   Conditiondry_weather

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture promotes growth.

4. Taskweed

   Label

   Weed

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 5

   Conditionweeds_present

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Avoid competition from weeds.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Direct sow outdoors

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6

   Conditionsoil_workable

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Resow every 3-4 weeks for continuous harvest.

2. Taskharvest

   Label

   Continuous harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6

   Conditionplants_mature

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest outer leaves or whole plants.

3. Taskwater

   Label

   Water regularly

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6

   Conditiondry_weather

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture promotes growth.

4. Taskweed

   Label

   Weed

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 6

   Conditionweeds_present

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Avoid competition from weeds.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Direct sow outdoors

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 7

   Conditionsoil_workable

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Resow every 3-4 weeks for continuous harvest.

2. Taskharvest

   Label

   Continuous harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7

   Conditionplants_mature

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest outer leaves or whole plants.

3. Taskwater

   Label

   Water regularly

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 7

   Conditiondry_weather

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture promotes growth.

4. Taskweed

   Label

   Weed

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 7

   Conditionweeds_present

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Avoid competition from weeds.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Last direct sowing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 8

   Conditionsoil_workable

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   For autumn/winter harvest or overwintering.

2. Taskharvest

   Label

   Continuous harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8

   Conditionplants_mature

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest outer leaves or whole plants.

3. Taskwater

   Label

   Water regularly

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 8

   Conditiondry_weather

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture promotes growth.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 9

   Conditionplants_mature

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest before the first hard frost.

2. Taskmulch

   Label

   Mulch

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 9

   Conditionbefore_winter

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   To protect overwintering plants.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 10

   Conditionmild_weather

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest hardy plants until frost.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 11

   Conditionmild_weather

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   In mild weather, overwintered plants can be harvested.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 12

   Conditionmild_weather

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   In mild weather, overwintered plants can be harvested.

Full sun to partial shade

Sheltered to moderately windy

A sunny location promotes growth, but Welsh onions also thrive in partial shade.

Humus-rich, loose, well-drained

Medium to high

Good

Welsh onions prefer nutrient-rich, well-drained soil that does not tend to waterlogging.

Water regularly, especially during dry spells and after sowing/planting. Avoid waterlogging.

Consistent soil moisture is crucial for good growth and tender stems.

A compost application before sowing is usually sufficient. If needed, fertilize with an organic liquid fertilizer during the growing season.

Welsh onions are good companions for many crops and can fill gaps in the bed. They are also suitable for intercropping with carrots.

Welsh onions are relatively undemanding, but good crop rotation is still important. They should not be grown immediately after other Allium species to prevent diseases and pests. A break of 3-4 years is recommended.

1. Flies (Onion fly)
2. Sucking pests (Aphids)

1. Fungal diseases (Downy mildew)
2. Viral diseases (Onion yellow dwarf virus)

1. Observe crop rotation: Do not plant directly after other Allium species.
2. Site selection: Sunny to partial shade, well-ventilated.
3. Soil care: Loose, well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging.
4. Maintain plant spacing: Ensure good ventilation.
5. Variety selection: Choose resistant varieties if possible.
6. Pest and disease monitoring: Regular inspection of plants.
7. Encourage beneficial insects: Create habitats for ladybugs, lacewings, etc.

Symptoms of pests and diseases can be similar. Accurate diagnosis is important for the correct control measure. Look for specific signs such as larvae, sporulation, or typical discoloration.

1. Slugfalscher_mehltau

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. High humidity
   2. Moderate temperatures (15-20°C)
   3. Poor ventilation

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves
   2. Stems

   Prevention

   1. Crop rotation
   2. Plant spacing
   3. Good ventilation
   4. Resistant varieties

   Organic control

   1. Copper preparations (sparingly)
   2. Plant extracts
2. Slugzwiebelfliege_larven

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Soil moisture
   2. Presence of breeding sites
   3. Lack of crop rotation

   Affected parts

   1. Roots
   2. Bulbs

   Prevention

   1. Crop rotation
   2. Row covers
   3. Intercropping with carrots

   Organic control

   1. Row covers
   2. Beneficial insect release
3. Slugblattlaeuse

   Severitylow

   Conditions

   1. Mild temperatures
   2. Presence of aphids
   3. Weak plants

   Affected parts

   1. Young shoots
   2. Leaves

   Prevention

   1. Encourage beneficial insects
   2. Healthy plants through good care

   Organic control

   1. Beneficial insect release
   2. Nettle manure tea
   3. Soft soap solution

1. Symptom

   Yellowish spots on leaves, later grayish-violet coating on the underside.

   Possible causes

   1. falscher_mehltau

   First checks

   1. Check humidity
   2. Check ventilation
   3. Examine coating on leaf underside
2. Symptom

   Wilting, yellowing of leaves, visible larvae or tunnels in the bulbs.

   Possible causes

   1. zwiebelfliege_larven

   First checks

   1. Dig up plants and examine roots/bulbs
   2. Check soil for larvae
3. Symptom

   Sticky leaves, distorted shoots, visible small insects on the shoot tips.

   Possible causes

   1. blattlaeuse

   First checks

   1. Inspect shoot tips and leaf undersides for aphids
   2. Look for honeydew

Diagnosing plant problems often requires careful observation of symptoms and environmental conditions. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult specialized literature or an expert.

1. Germination
2. Vegetative growth (leaf development)
3. Flowering (rare under cultivation)
4. Overwintering

Welsh onions are perennial herbaceous plants, usually cultivated as annuals or biennials. Flowering is often triggered by low temperatures in winter or spring but is not desired for leaf harvest.

As needed, continuous

1. Reaching a usable leaf size (approx. 15-20 cm height)
2. As needed for culinary purposes

Harvested leaves and stems should be stored cool and used quickly to maintain freshness and flavor.

Fresh vegetable

1-2 weeks in the refrigerator, several months when frozen.

1. Freezing (chopped)
2. Drying (less aromatic)

1. Leaves
2. Stems
3. Bulb base (the thickened part)

No known toxic properties with normal consumption.

All edible parts are safe to consume raw.

After drying, rub the seed heads and separate the seeds from chaff and plant debris (e.g., by sieving or winnowing).

Store dry, cool, and dark. Germination capacity is about 2-3 years.

For seed propagation, only the healthiest and most vigorous plants should be selected. As Welsh onions are cross-pollinators, strict isolation from other Allium species and varieties is necessary when propagating hybrids or pure lines to avoid unwanted crosses.

Welsh onions are herbaceous plants and do not require specific woody pruning or training systems.

Welsh onion flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which can contribute to local biodiversity, even if they are rarely allowed to flower.

Welsh onions are very adaptable and excellent for cultivation in home gardens, raised beds, or pots. They are frost-hardy and can overwinter with proper care.

Staggered sowing from March to August ensures a continuous harvest over many months. Harvest the outer leaves or cut the plant about 2-3 cm above the ground to encourage new growth.

Late sowings in August can overwinter well with a layer of mulch and provide fresh harvest already in early spring.

Spring marks the main sowing season. Pre-cultured plants can be moved outdoors after the last frosts. First harvests are possible from May.

In summer, continuous harvesting is in full swing. Ensure adequate watering and sow in succession to extend the harvest period.

In autumn, you can make the last direct sowings for overwintering. Harvest until the first hard frost. Mulching protects overwintering plants.

In mild weather, overwintered Welsh onions can also be harvested in winter. A protective layer of mulch is recommended.