Welsh Bunching Onions: Easy Growing Guide for Allium Fistulosum

Welsh Bunching Onions (Allium fistulosum) have graced gardens and kitchens for centuries. Known for their mild, sweet flavor and perennial nature, they are staples in both culinary and ornamental gardens. Despite their name suggesting a Welsh connection, these onions actually originate from Asia, particularly Japan and China, where they play crucial roles in traditional cuisines.

Culinary Journey Across Asia

In Japan, Welsh Bunching Onions, referred to as negi, are key ingredients in many dishes. You can find them in miso soup, ramen, and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). Likewise, in China, they are popular in scallion pancakes (cong you bing, 葱油饼), a beloved street food. Their journey from ancient Asian gardens to modern kitchens showcases their unique flavor and ease of cultivation.

Bunching onions are grown in abundance in Japan.

Chinese scallion pancakes (葱油饼) made from Welsh Onions.

Why Welsh Bunching Onions?

• Perennial & Low Maintenance: These onions come back year after year. They are a long-term investment for your garden. Once they die back in colder months, they return each spring, ready to produce again. In zones 4 and above, they require little care. Gardeners in zone 3 can add mulch for extra winter protection.

  
  

• Mild & Versatile Flavor: Welsh Bunching Onions taste milder than traditional onions. Their sweet, subtle flavor makes them ideal for fresh salads or for enhancing cooked dishes like soups, stir-fries, and savory pancakes.

  
  

• A Culinary Star: Beyond their roles in Asian cuisine, Welsh Bunching Onions shine in many global dishes. They can be used raw or cooked, making them versatile enough for any kitchen.

  
  

How to Grow Welsh Bunching Onions

1. Choose a Good Spot: Find a sunny place with well-drained, compost-rich soil. These onions prefer moist conditions but hate standing water. Ensure good drainage to help them thrive.

   
   

2. Space Them Out: Plant your starts about 6 inches apart. As they grow, they’ll form clumps. You can harvest or divide them to expand your patch. These onions will multiply into efficient bunches over time.

   
   

3. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Excess water can rot the plants. Good drainage is essential.

   
   

4. Winter Care: In colder zones (3–4), apply mulch in the fall for protection. When spring arrives, remove the mulch to allow new shoots to grow.

   
   

Perennial Welsh Onions flower abundantly and make great bee forage.

Harvesting & Using Welsh Bunching Onions

You can start harvesting once the outer stalks reach around 6–8 inches tall. Cut the outer shoots and allow the inner ones to continue growing. Over time, the plant will cluster into a group of onion plants that you can divide or continually harvest from.

Welsh Bunching Onions are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to use them:

• In Salads: Thinly slice them for a crunchy, mild addition.

• In Stir-Fries & Soups: Add them at the end of cooking for a fresh kick.

• As a Garnish: Sprinkle them on your favorite dishes for an extra burst of flavor.

  
  

Harvested Welsh Onions waiting to be prepped in the kitchen.

A Garden Favorite, Year After Year

Welsh Bunching Onions are a fantastic choice for any low-maintenance garden. They flourish year after year with minimal effort. Whether you plant them in a vegetable patch or use them as an edible border, they provide both beauty and utility. With reliable growth, a mild flavor, and diverse culinary uses, these onions will become a staple in your garden and kitchen.

In spring and fall, you can order Perennial Welsh Onion plant starts here.