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Welsh onion

English
  • Vegetables and herbs
Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum)
Photo: Jardin botanique de Montréal (Josée Bouthot)
Allium fistulosum
  • Allium fistulosum
  • Allium fistulosum

Onglets

Botany

Origin and description

This perennial, probably native to Asia, does not produce a true bulb, but is slightly swollen at the base. The leaves are longer and broader than those of chives, Allium schoenoprasum. Welsh onions are not well known here, but are very popular in Oriental cuisine for their onion aroma.
Cycle: Perennial.
Spacing: 20 cm.
Height: 40 cm.

Common name

Welsh onion

Latin name (genus)

Allium fistulosum

English common name

Welsh onion

French common name

Ciboule

Botanical family

  • Alliaceae
Horticulture

Growing conditions

Exposure: Full sun, partial shade.

Propagation

Sow seed indoors in March.
Sow seed outdoors in May.
Divide in fall or spring every 2-3 years.

Use

Culinary use: The leaves are added raw to salads, sauces, omelettes, soups and other dishes. They have a very mild flavour when cooked.

See also

Pests and diseases
Physiological disorders