Welsh Onion

Welsh Onion: variety and characteristics

Welsh Onion (Allium fistulosum) is a perennial vegetable of the Amaryllidaceae family. Despite its common name, this does not come from Wales but from Siberia.

It forms globe-like heads of yellowish-white flowers, which are extremely attractive.

Reaches a height of up to 60 cm.

Welsh onion is a rich source of vitamins A and C and iron.

Welsh onion (winter onion) is a perennial onion that produces green shoots from early spring to late autumn.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 86%
• Pack size: 0.7 g
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: April and May; direct or seedlings
• Harvest: July – September
• Position: sun to partial shade

When to sow Welsh Onion

Welsh Onion seeds are sown in April and May. Harvest in July – September. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Welsh Onion

• Sowing method: direct or seedlings
• Depth: 1 cm
• Spacing: 20–25 cm
• Germination: 10–14 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sun to partial shade

Sow the seeds directly in the soil from April to May. Plants grow best in sunny spots in well-drained, humus-rich soils. The greens are ready to harvest from June to October. Sow Welsh onion seeds indoors in March, using ordinary commercial compost. Keep the soil lightly moist until the seeds sprout, which usually takes seven to 10 days. Plant the seedlings in your garden after about a month, once all danger of frost has passed. Full sun is best, but Welsh onion plants tolerate a little light shade. Leave about 8 inches between each seedling.

Sow in spring or late summer; divide the plants every 3–4 years.

Harvest and use

Cut the green shoots repeatedly.

Frequently asked questions

When should Welsh Onion be sown?

The recommended sowing months are April and May. Sowing method: direct or seedlings.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 86%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.