Lorient Multiplier Onion Cross Seeds
Lorient Multiplier Onion Cross Seeds - Allium cepa var. aggregatum
- Hardy to Zone 4
Full Sun
- Germination Tested November 15, 2023: 100%
- Approximately 70 seeds per packet
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Expected to restock in December 2025.
These seeds are a bit experimental. I'm not sure what you're going to get! They would be an interesting start to a multiplier onion breeding project. These seeds are saved from Lorient multiplier onion plants, which were also flowering at the same time as my Andy's Green Mountain potato onion, and a yellow potato onion. Lorient itself is a hybrid, and I've seen it called both a multiplier onion and a shallot. So there could be quite a lot of exciting variability in the offspring. Every seedling will be unique, and could be the start of a new variety.
Information about Lorient: "Finally a shallot you can reliably grow from seed! British-bred Shallot Lorient has been developed over 14 years with UK gardeners in mind. This superb variety offers superior performance compared to other seed varieties, and matches planting sets (immature bulbs) in terms of reliability, garden performance, and pest and disease resistance. Shallot Lorient is tough from the get go, making a strong start even in a cold spring. Mildew resistant and slow to bolt under the summer heat, this top-performer soldiers on to produce long, richly-sweet bulbs that add a real gourmet depth to any dish where onions are called for. Height: 35cm (14"). Spread: 15cm (6")."
Other sources say Lorient is a long-day variety, suitable for northern growers. However, according to Kelly Winterton, the authority on potato onions, says that multiplier onions (and presumably shallots) are NOT day length sensitive. I've found that the true Lorient bulbs act the same way as my potato onions.
Potato onions are a perennial multiplying onion, slightly smaller than regular onions, but their advantages are they are easier to grow and they keep for much longer in storage, up to a year in my experience. Plant these seeds once, then keep some of the onions for replanting next year. In their first year, potato onion seeds will usually just grow into a large single onion. Harvest them once the tops die back around August. Eat the biggest onions, and replant the smallest ones in fall or spring.
Growing Instructions
Growing Instructions
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
We ship seeds via Canada Post within Canada for $6 to $8 depending on weight, United States for $20, and Internationally for $20*. 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 Ontario and East.
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
We now require all US shoppers to obtain a Small Lot Seed Permit before we can mail your seeds. It's free to apply and you will likely be granted the permit instantly. We appreciate if you can email us your permit as soon as you can after your purchase.
How to apply for your Small Seed Lot Import Permit:
- Go to https://efile.aphis.usda.gov/s/
- Select PPQ-587 in the dropdown menu and click "Get Started".
- Login and follow the instructions to obtain a permit.
- Under the
Commodity Type drop down, make sure you select the "Small Lots of Seed". See screenshot below.
- It's best to list "Eligible Taxa" instead of listing all the species you'd like to import so you don't need to worry about missing any species you ordered.
- Once you receive your permit, promptly email us 2 documents: a copy of your permit and a copy of the yellow/green shipping labels. Tell us if which USDA station you want us to send the seeds to. If not mentioned we will choose one. Our email is grow@cicadaseeds.ca
- We are not able to send any pepper or tomato seeds, or any live plant materials to the US due to restrictions.
What happens next?
After receiving your documentation, we will mail your seeds to an inspection facility in the US. We will ship via tracked parcel, and you will receive the tracking number when your order has shipped. Orders will be mailed first to a plant inspection facility in the US, then they forward the package on to your address after inspection. Tracking is only available to the inspection facility, not to your address.
The mail and inspection process can take several weeks, depending on how long the inspection takes. Unfortunately we are not able to replace packages that are confiscated or destroyed by customs, or for any duties or tariffs placed on your order.
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
Ecologically Grown
Seeds are grown ecologically without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.
