Learn everything about planting and caring for winter hedge bulbs here. Also, we give tips for using and cultivating on the balcony.
The winter hedge onion (Allium fistulosum) is one of the first plants to sprout after winter. This not only keeps the early bloomers company in the bed, but the hobby gardener can already provide himself with greenery rich in vitamins in spring. In addition, the winter hedge onion is a fairly undemanding plant. In summer, the plant adorns itself with pretty spherical flowers that attract numerous insects to the garden.Winter hedge onion - origin
The smell reveals that the winter hedge onion is unmistakably a bulbous plant. Cottage garden plants were already native to medieval monastery gardens.
It is believed that winter onions made their way from Siberia and Russia to Europe in the 17th century. We know from a tradition of old writings that in the late 18th century, especially in the Munich area, there were extensive occurrences and a targeted cultivation of winter bulbs was pursued.
Leek and onions predominate in German gardens. The winter hedge onion is currently less common. The old plant has regained a permanent place in the vegetable garden in Swabia. There, winter hedge onions are harvested regularly and are used in green donuts and other regional dishes.
Onions have only been cultivated in Japan and China for a few decades. The winter hedge onion has a long tradition there and is still widespread in Asia.
Winter hedge onions - special features
In contrast to the onion, the winter hedge onion is a perennial plant. Dense sticks are formed. The tubular leaves, also known as vents, can grow up to 80 centimeters in height.
The winter hedge onion can be harvested almost all year round. Young leaves are considered particularly tender and digestible. The taste is less intense than we are used to from onions.
In midsummer, the winter hedge onion forms white flowers. These are no less attractive thanthe flower of the ornamental onion. Bumblebees prefer to fly to the flower.
Planting winter hedge onions - finding the right location
If you hope for a plentiful harvest, plant the winter hedge onions in a sunny and warm spot. Partial shade is tolerated, but often at the expense of taste and yield.
» Tip: The planting site must not be waterlogged, because the winter hedge onions will quickly begin to rot.
The ideal plant neighbors for the winter hedge onions are carrots. The plants protect each other from pests. Dill or chamomile can also provide a growth spurt in the bed.
In the course of crop rotation, winter hedge onions can advantageously be grown where potatoes were previously cultivated. The combination with cabbage, peas or beans is less ideal. Growth disorders could be the result here.
The plants can stay in the same place for years. Dense clumps form, but you should divide them from time to time.
» Tip: If you want to follow the names of the plants, create low hedges that can serve as a border for the vegetable patch.
Planting winter hedge onions - choosing the ideal substrate
The winter hedge bulb prefers well-drained soil. Heavy clay soils are less suitable. The moisture builds up there, causing the plants to rot. A heavily compacted soil can be loosened up by adding sand. A substrate that is rich in humus.
is also important for high crop yields.Planting winter hedge onions - options and instructions
There are various options for planting winter hedge onions, which we would like to explain briefly below.
- Planting winter hedge onions outdoors
- Cultivate winter hedge onions on the balcony
- Sowing winter hedge onions
Planting winter hedge onions outdoors
Onion sets can be planted in the vegetable patch between spring and autumn. Keep a planting distance of five to eight centimeters.
How to proceed:
- Select Location
- Loosen the soil and remove weeds, roots and stones
- Dig Planting Hole
- Put the winter hedge onions in the planting hole
- Press the winter hedge onions lightly into the ground
- Press the top layer of earth gently
- Water the winter hedge onions well
Winter hedge onions as a balcony plant
Winter hedge bulbs can also be planted in pots without any problems. With this you can bring the vegetable garden to your balcony or terrace.
How to proceed:
- Select planter
- Prepare substrate
- Provide drainage from stones or potsherds
- Fill in substrate
- Insert winter hedge onions
- Press substrate well
- Water the winter hedge onions
» Tip: Opt for a deep planter with a capacity of at least ten liters.
Sowing winter hedge onions
The sowing of winter hedge onions can be done outdoors between March and mid-August. Use a planting distance of 25 x 10 centimeters as a guide. A sowing depth of two centimeters must be maintained.
We recommend:
How to proceed:
- Select Location
- Remove weeds, roots and stones from the ground
- Note the planting distance
- Insert seeds and press lightly
- Cover seeds with some substrate
- Keep seeds slightly moist
Germination begins after two to three weeks. In warm temperatures, the first green appears after just a few days.
Watering winter hedge onions correctly
The water requirement of winter hedge onions can be estimated as high. Therefore, you must not forget to water. It is watered regularly, because the plants must not dry out. The motto is: moderately but regularly.
If you overdo it with watering, you risk waterlogging. The water can no longer drain away, builds up in the ground and attacks the roots. The onion starts to rot.
Fertilize winter hedge onions correctly
Additional nutrition is advisable in spring and late autumn. Organic fertilizer or compost can be applied.
» Tip: No additional fertilization should be applied during the growth phase of the winter hedge onion.
The winter hedge onion requires larger amounts of potassium. Therefore, nutrient-poor soils should be upgraded with primary rock flour.
Other care measures
The winter hedge onion is easy to care for and requires little effort. If the seedlings are too dense, they should be thinned out to a distance of at least five centimeters. After four to five years, it's time to divide the bulbs' rootstock. This makes for onegrowth spurt while providing you with new winter hedge bulbs that can be transplanted separately.
Harvest winter hedge onions
The young and correspondingly tender leaves are harvested. You can cut these off just above the ground and then chop them up and use them like chives.
The entire plant can also be harvested. The onions should be at least two centimeters in size. Depending on requirements, the winter hedge onions can be sown again and again.
Use of winter hedge bulbs
The use of chives can be used as a guide. The winter onion tastes good as a hearty sandwich filling over butter, quark or cheese. The chopped leaves can also be sprinkled on salads, sauces or soups as a topping.
Older leaves are less tasty raw and quite hard. Therefore, you should briefly steam or fry the leaves. Raw winter hedge onion cubes can be kept in the refrigerator for several days and can also be frozen without any problems.
Diseases and pests on winter hedge onions
The winter hedge onion is robust and hardly affected by pests or diseases. However, the plant has an enemy in the onion fly. The hobby gardener can best counteract this by covering the plants with close-meshed nets.
Overwintering winter hedge onions
With the first frosts, the winter hedge onion retreats into the ground to sprout again from March. If the plants are to produce a delicate green color in early spring, it is a good idea to cover the canes with leaves or brushwood over the winter.