• Egyptian Walking Onion Bulbils - Allium x proliferum
  • Egyptian Walking Onion Bulbils - Allium x proliferum
  • Egyptian Walking Onion Bulbils - Allium x proliferum
  • Egyptian Walking Onion Bulbils - Allium x proliferum
  • Egyptian Walking Onion Bulbils - Allium x proliferum
  • Egyptian Walking Onion Bulbils - Allium x proliferum
  • Egyptian Walking Onion Bulbils - Allium x proliferum
  • Egyptian Walking Onion Bulbils - Allium x proliferum
  • Egyptian Walking Onion Bulbils - Allium x proliferum
  • Egyptian Walking Onion Bulbils - Allium x proliferum
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Egyptian Walking Onion Bulbils

Egyptian Walking Onion Bulbils - Allium x proliferum

Allium x proliferum
  • Hardy to Zone 3
  • Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Germination Tested Not tested
  • 5-20 bulbils per packet
$9.00 CAD
$9.00 CAD
Sale Sold out
Select the number of bulbils

Expected to restock in Fall 2025.

Walking Onions, also known as Egyptian Onions, tree onions, or top setting onions, are a tough perennial onion with edible green onions, bulbils, and mother bulbs. They are called walking onions because the bulbils grow at the top of the stalks, and when they get heavy enough they flop over and take root in the soil. Then those new plants send up shoots, flopping over, effectively “walking” around your garden. Alternately you can cut off the bulbils and plant them where you want them to grow.

These onions are hard to kill! Hardy to zone 3, tolerant of many soil types, dry conditions and partial shade. Useful for any kitchen garden, permaculture garden, or food forest. The green onions/scallions are most commonly eaten, and are excellent with eggs, ramen, salads, scallion pancakes, etc.- really anywhere you would use green onions for a light oniony flavour. The mother bulbs at the base of the stalks can also be eaten, as can the bulbils that form at the top of the stalks.

The bulbils vary in size from the size of a pea up to a toonie, but their size doesn’t seem to affect the overall size or vigour of the plant. This variety seems capable of making particularly large bulbils compared to other varieties! You’ll get a mix of bulbil sizes in your order, although not the most giant bulbils because they won't fit through the regular mail slot!

Walking onions are believed to be a cross of Welsh Onions and Shallots from a long time ago. According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, they originated somewhere on the Indian subcontinent and then were brought to Europe, possibly by traveling Romani people.

They rarely, if ever, produce true seed, although there will often be a few flowers growing around the bulbils. Sometimes the clusters of bulbils will grow another stalk, which grows more bulbils, and sometimes those bulbils will grow even more bulbils! These plants look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book in the summer season.

Only available for shipping within Canada. Any US or international orders will be refunded.

Growing Instructions

Bulbs are best planted in the fall before the soil is consistently frozen. If you live in a mild area, you may be able to plant almost throughout the winter. I did an experiment and planted in a pot before a -15C cold snap, and the bulbils grew fine! If you live in a very cold climate, you can try waiting until spring, and keep the bulbils in a dark, dry place with good airflow. Keep an eye on them, and if they start to go bad or sprout a lot, try planting them in a pot inside, and transplant them outside in spring. Some people say to keep the bulbils in the fridge, so do your own research on what you feel is best. I've had bulbils last at room temperature for a year just fine, but your conditions may be different than mine.

Bulbils can be planted about 2-3 inches apart or farther if you've got the room. They will multiply from the base over time, as well as by fallen bulbils, but they don't mind being crowded. Smaller bulbs can be planted closer together and larger ones given more space.

The bulbils will send out roots and little green leaves that look like green onions. The base will swell a little into a slender bulb, and the leaves will get taller. In the summer they will grow stronger stalks that grow bulbils on the ends. If left alone, the stalks with bulbils will fall over and likely sprout if the soil is moist- or you can cut the bulbils off once their stalk starts to die back and plant them elsewhere.

Shipping & Returns

We ship seeds via Canada Post within Canada for $6 to $8 depending on weight, and Internationally for a flat rate of $20*. Shipping costs to the US will include the cost of a phytosanitary inspection and certificate, as well as tariffs.

Live plants, bulbs, and bulbils can only be shipped within Canada. 

Shipping fees listed here are in Canadian dollars, and may change without notice.

 

Shipping in Canada 

We ship seeds in Canada via regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-3 weeks to arrive once we fulfill your order, but occasionally orders take longer, especially to the Eastern provinces and rural areas.

Customers can now opt for tracked, express shipping options at checkout if you require faster delivery.

Larger bulbs and plants are sent via tracked flat rate box.

 

Shipping to the US

Shipping charges to the US will also now include a government phytosanitary inspection and certificate. This will be bundled into the shipping cost. We ship via Canada Post, and any applicable duties will be calculated at checkout. So far (as of Sept 1, 2025), it's looking like there are no duties charged on seeds. 

Please expect delays for US shipping, as during busy times it can take up to 2 weeks for us to book a phytosanitary inspection.

 

Shipping Internationally

International customers can select tracked or untracked shipping at checkout. The package will list the contents as "Garden Seeds". It is your responsibility to ensure you have the required import permit. We are not able to send any live plant materials internationally. Cicada Seeds will not be responsible for any orders held or confiscated by customs, or for any additional duties or tariffs placed on your order.

International shipping countries include: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.

This list may change without notice. Sometimes Canada Post will not allow us to ship to certain countries due to wars or natural disasters, see this page for delivery service alerts: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/service-alerts.page

Please reach out if your country is not on this list, email us and we will try to arrange an alternate shipping option. 

 

Return Policy

If you have any issues with your order, please contact us within 60 days and we will do our best to make it right.

Ecologically Grown

Seeds are grown ecologically without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.

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Customer Reviews

Based on 8 reviews
88%
(7)
13%
(1)
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E
Effie
Bien emballé, livraison rapide,reste à tes...

Bien emballé, livraison rapide,reste à tester le le taux de germination.

A
Annelies Davis
Egyptian walking onion bulbils

the onions were delivered on time and came well packaged
I planted the bulbils very soon after arrival to my home and they all have sprouted. These plants are about 1 inch tall on the date Oct. 19/24
I am happy with my order. thank you.
My only question is what variety is this Egyptian walking onion?, since you had noted they grow bigger bulbils than other types.

B
Bethel
This review has no content.

This review has no content.

L
Leonor T
The walking onions came in good time. Have...

The walking onions came in good time. Haven't planted them yet, but some have signs of life already, so I'm excited for spring!

P
Pamela
Prompt shipping and the bulbs look good.

Prompt shipping and the bulbs look good.

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