Potato Onion ()

Description

Potato Onion () (Allium cepa) is a unique and hardy variety of onion, sometimes referred to as winter onion or multiplying onion. Known for its ability to grow in clusters of s (or sets) that grow together much like a cluster of potatoes, this variety is favored for its perennial nature and versatility in the garden.

Features:

Appearance: Potato onions produce small to medium-sized s that form in clusters at the base of a central stem. The s have a papery skin that is usually brown or reddish-brown.

Flavor: The taste of potato onions is milder than most other onions, offering a sweeter, milder flavor profile that intensifies as the onions cure. The flavor is more gentle and less pungent compared to typical storage onions.

Growth Habit: Unlike traditional onions, which grow from a single , potato onions multiply by forming small s at the base, which then develop into clusters. This makes them ideal for gardeners looking for a steady supply of onions over time.

Uses:

Cooking: Potato onions can be used in various culinary dishes where you would typically use onions. Due to their mild and sweet flavor, they are excellent in soups, stews, casseroles, salads, or as a topping for meats and vegetables.

Storage: Potato onions can be stored well, similar to garlic, making them ideal for use throughout the winter months. When harvested and cured correctly, they last several months.

Fresh Eating: Their mild flavor also makes them great to eat fresh in salsas, sandwiches, or salads.

Planting Instructions:

Soil: Plant potato onions in well-drained, loamy soil with good fertility. They prefer soil that is rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).

Planting Time: Potato onions can be planted in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, or in fall for an early spring harvest (the fall planting will lead to s that overwinter and begin to sprout in the spring).

Planting Depth: Plant the onion sets (s) about 1–2 inches deep, with the pointy end facing upward. Space the sets 6-8 inches apart, allowing the s room to grow.

Spacing: Maintain a spacing of 8-12 inches between each for healthy growth. This gives the plants room to multiply and ensures good air circulation around them, preventing rot.