Onion Tree

[Samurailord]

I have been very fortunate tonight to be given an Onion Tree after a talk at my Wine Makers' Circle.

Unfortunately the stem has been bent in two about two inches from the onions at the top - is there anything I can do to help the plant recover, or is it just a case of straightening and strapping it to the supporting cane and hoping?

If the top section does die, I do have about 8 - 10 bulbils - can they be planted now, or should I wait until the end of September?

Andy

[zazen999]

Do you mean a tree onion? If so, they are supposed to fall over and they re root where they fall.

[soladragon]

I have these and when the bulbils do start flopping to the floor they can be planted. I planted a few of mine that fell to the floor and they are looking nice.

Also remember I hear that sometimes it can take until the second year until they apparently produce top sets so until you have enough tree onions it is best that you don't pull that one up this year as it will produce more bulbs next year.

Here is some info.
Egyptian Walking Onions

[Florence Fennel]

That's an informative site SD. Enjoy your tree onion SL!

[Samurailord]

Thanks for all the replies.

Now it is daylight I have got some pics of my tree onion.



You can see the damage to the stem in the first picture - it was folded completely in two when I got it.

The guy who gave it to me said that I could plant each of the bulbils separately, but I forgot to ask if they could go in now or if I should save them for later in the year.

Andy

[Florence Fennel]

Ooh I like that!

[Shadylane]

As has been said, it's doing exactly what it's supposed to, so don't worry about the stem being damged. You can either plant them straight out into the ground or over winter in pots either outdoors or under cover. I've found the really tiny bulbils have more of a tendency to rot, but they look like a decent size so you would probably be fine planting them straight out. Or you could get them to root in pots first, then plant them out.

I planted a few straight out recently and something (probably birds) kept pulling them up, so if you root them first that's less likely to happen.

[Samurailord]

Ooh I like that!

Would you like me to send you a couple of bulbils when I get them Flo?

Andy

[Florence Fennel]

That's so kind of you SL, I'll send you a PM, thank you