Teach me about Walking Onions!??

[the1honeycomb]

I bought onion sets at the local produce stand this year, as they mature I have discovered that they have small onion looking tops. I tried to look it up but I beleive I have walking onions and they should renew themselves every year
What can you teach me about these and what do I have to do special to keep them happy?? :tools

 

[seedcorn]

If they are the same as "winter onions", just plant them, let a few go to seed and you won't be able to get rid of them. I use them for cooking in place of bulb onions. Little milder but definitely onion. Think more like leeks without the sand issues. Mine are hardy with all caps.

 

[lesa]

I was gifted a few of these from a friend. Egyptian walking onions. I really enjoy them! They can be used (similar to chives) no bulbing. When they get the small bulb on top, they get heavy and fall over- and spread. Very slowly though - not invasive at all. I planted mine, and ignored them. They were even dug up by chickens- and they still thrive. Enjoy!

 

[canesisters]

OH my gosh! Is THAT what's going on with my onions?? I thought they were having a Sigourney Weaver in Aliens kind of moment. He said just plant them and forget them, so I did. They got huge.. then they got a funny little bulb at the top.. then they erupted with little alien onions..

 

[baymule]

You lucky duck! I had some of those many many years ago. They were unusual, fun and quite tasty!

 

[lesa]

Well, now we know they grow in the South, canesisters!

 

[canesisters]

So now that they've got 'onions' at both ends.. .what do I do with them?

A while back I pulled one of the big ones up just because I was curious what was going on underground. I chopped up the green part and used it in some eggs (nice, onion but no bitter). I left the white part on the counter an my room mate threw it away.
Can I still use it the same way? Do I pull off the little aliens? Let them keep on doing whatever they're doing? Eat the aliens and leave the big ones??

 

[the1honeycomb]

Wow great questions!!! I am befuddled! the answers would help alot1!
I am ready

 

[lesa]

The entire thing should be edible... try it out and see how you like it. The little bulb on the top is just a "mini-onion". The greens are similar to scallions or chives. Not sure what is underground- never dug mine up.

 

[journey11]

I planted mine in a sheltered spot away from the harsh winter winds. I love them because I can always get a few green tops to chop up for scallions almost year-round. You can cook with the little baby onions on top too. You can use them as pearl onions, pickle them, or toss them in with other things you are canning. They will multiply themselves pretty quickly and it's nice to have some to give away since most people find them quite the curiosity.