Onions that multiply are varieties known as multiplying or perennial onions, which naturally produce clusters of bulbs instead of a single main bulb. These onions grow small offsets—sometimes called bulblets or daughter bulbs—around the parent bulb, allowing the plant to reproduce vegetatively. Over time, a single plant can create a large cluster of onions, making them easy to propagate and harvest repeatedly.
Multiplying onions are often hardy and low-maintenance, thriving in a variety of soils and climates. They are sometimes called potato onions or Egyptian walking onions, depending on the type. Potato onions produce underground clusters of bulbs, while Egyptian walking onions produce small bulbs at the top of their stalks that can drop and grow new plants nearby.
These onions are usually more perennial than regular onions, meaning they can survive multiple growing seasons. Gardeners often leave them in the ground, and the bulbs will continue to multiply each year, providing a sustainable source of fresh onions without replanting seeds annually.
Multiplying onions are versatile in cooking. The bulbs can be harvested for eating, while the smaller offsets can be replanted to expand the onion patch. Their mild to moderately pungent flavor makes them suitable for a wide range of dishes, from soups and sautés to fresh salads.
Old Fashioned Multiplying Onions
Egyptian Onion (Walking Onion)
The Egyptian onion, also known as the walking onion, is famous for its ability to multiply. It produces clusters of small bulbs at the top of its stalks, which eventually bend to the ground and take root, creating new plants. This unique growth habit makes it almost impossible to run out once planted. These onions are hardy and perennial, meaning they can survive multiple seasons.
Multiplier Onion (Potato Onion)
Multiplier onions, sometimes called potato onions, grow in clusters underground instead of a single bulb. Each bulb can produce several offsets, which can be separated and replanted to grow new onions. They are excellent for gardeners who want a steady supply of onions without buying seeds each year. Their flavor is similar to regular onions but often a bit milder.
Shallots
Shallots are small, elongated onions that naturally form clusters of bulbs. Each planted bulb can split into several new bulbs, which can then be harvested or replanted. This multiplication makes shallots ideal for home gardeners and small farms. Their flavor is sweeter and more delicate, making them popular in gourmet cooking.
Potato Onion
The potato onion is closely related to multiplier onions and is sometimes considered the same type. It produces multiple bulbs underground, all connected to the original plant. Gardeners can separate these bulbs after the growing season to expand their onion patch. They are hardy and store well, making them a practical choice for winter use.
Ailsa Craig Onion
Ailsa Craig onions are a traditional Scottish variety known for their ability to produce offsets. Each planted bulb can generate several new bulbs over the growing season. They are particularly valued for their mild, sweet flavor and large size. This variety is also long-storing, making it suitable for winter kitchens.
Creole Onion
Creole onions are popular in warmer climates and are capable of multiplying through both seeds and bulb offsets. Their smaller bulbs often split naturally, providing new plants for the next season. Gardeners appreciate them for their adaptability and moderately sweet, rich flavor. They are a staple in southern and tropical gardens.
Red Multiplier Onion
Red multiplier onions are a variety of onions that produce multiple bulbs underground from a single planted bulb. Their deep red color and slightly sweet taste make them attractive for both cooking and presentation. The ability to multiply makes them an efficient choice for expanding your onion patch year after year.
White Multiplier Onion
White multiplier onions form clusters of small bulbs that can be separated and replanted. They are particularly hardy and perform well in cooler climates. Their mild flavor and multiple-bulb habit make them ideal for gardeners seeking a reliable, sustainable crop. These onions are often used for fresh eating and cooking.
Yellow Multiplier Onion
Yellow multiplier onions are similar to white and red multipliers but have a golden skin. They form clusters underground and can be replanted to produce new bulbs each season. Their flavor is classic oniony and slightly pungent. Gardeners love them for their productivity and ease of propagation.
Tropea Onion
Tropea onions are Italian red onions that can multiply by offsets under favorable conditions. While they are primarily grown for their sweet, mild flavor, they can also produce small daughter bulbs. Gardeners can separate these bulbs to grow new plants. Tropea onions are especially prized for salads and raw dishes.
Cipollini Onion
Cipollini onions are small, flat onions that multiply through the formation of offsets or bulb clusters. Each bulb can produce several smaller bulbs for the next planting. They have a sweet, delicate taste and are excellent for roasting and caramelizing. Their multiplication habit ensures a sustainable supply year after year.
Spanish Multiplier Onion
Spanish multiplier onions are large, sweet onions capable of producing offsets. Planting a single bulb can result in multiple new bulbs over a season. They are highly productive and well-suited to home gardens where a continuous supply of onions is desired. Their large size and flavor make them versatile in cooking.
Red Creole Multiplier Onion
Red Creole multiplier onions are a vibrant, flavorful variety that produces multiple bulbs underground. Each planted bulb can split into several new bulbs, allowing gardeners to expand their crop easily. They thrive in warm climates and are particularly popular in southern regions. Their mild but rich flavor makes them ideal for salads, sautés, and stews.
Walla Walla Multiplier Onion
The Walla Walla onion, originally from Washington State, is famous for its large, sweet bulbs. Multiplier varieties of Walla Walla onions produce offsets that can be separated and replanted. They are hardy and store well, making them a favorite for home gardeners. Their mild, almost buttery flavor is excellent for roasting, grilling, or fresh eating.
Bermuda Red Multiplier Onion
Bermuda Red onions are a robust, red-skinned variety that can multiply via underground bulbs. Each mother bulb can produce several new bulbs, increasing the harvest with minimal effort. These onions are resistant to many pests and diseases, making them reliable in warmer climates. Their flavor is moderately sweet and well-suited for cooking and salads.
Spanish Red Multiplier Onion
Spanish Red multiplier onions are large, red onions capable of producing multiple offsets per bulb. They are popular in home gardens for their high yield and easy propagation. Each bulb can generate new plants that will continue to produce year after year. Their flavor is sweet yet slightly pungent, making them versatile in a wide range of dishes.