HeirloomContainer OK

Evergreen Hardy White

Allium fistulosum

Evergreen Hardy White growing in a garden

Tall, straight, blue-green leaves. Very resistant to bulbing and leaf-curl in the heat of midsummer. Long, white shanks provide excellent yields. Not as winter-hardy as Evergreen Hardy White.

Harvest

65d

Days to harvest

πŸ“…

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

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Zones

4–9

USDA hardiness

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Height

1-3 feet

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Planting Timeline

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Direct Sow
Harvest
Direct Sow
Harvest

Showing dates for Evergreen Hardy White in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 allium β†’

Zone Map

Click a state to update dates

CANADAUSAYTZ3NTZ3NUZ3BCZ8ABZ3SKZ3MBZ3ONZ5QCZ4NLZ4NBZ5NSZ6PEZ6AKZ3MEZ4WIZ4VTZ4NHZ5WAZ7IDZ5MTZ4NDZ4MNZ4MIZ5NYZ6MAZ6CTZ6RIZ6ORZ7NVZ7WYZ4SDZ4IAZ5INZ6OHZ6PAZ6NJZ7DEZ7CAZ9UTZ5COZ5NEZ5ILZ6WVZ6VAZ7MDZ7DCZ7AZZ9NMZ7KSZ6MOZ6KYZ6TNZ7NCZ7SCZ8OKZ7ARZ7MSZ8ALZ8GAZ8TXZ8LAZ9FLZ9HIZ10

Evergreen Hardy White Β· Zones 4–9

What grows well in Zone 7? β†’

Growing Details

Difficulty
Easy
Spacing2-4 inches, or 6 inches between clumps
SoilWell-drained soil, tolerates various soil types including clay
pH6.0-7.5
Water1 inch per week, tolerates some drought once established
SeasonWarm season annual
FlavorMild onion flavor, tender texture, less pungent than regular onions
ColorWhite base with dark green tops
SizePencil-thick stems, 12-18 inches useable length

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

ZoneIndoor StartTransplantDirect SowHarvest
Zone 3β€”β€”May – JuneJuly – October
Zone 4β€”β€”April – JuneJune – October
Zone 5β€”β€”April – MayJune – November
Zone 6β€”β€”April – MayJune – November
Zone 7β€”β€”March – MayMay – November
Zone 8β€”β€”March – AprilMay – December
Zone 9β€”β€”February – MarchApril – December
Zone 10β€”β€”January – MarchMarch – December

Complete Growing Guide

Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Division. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

The capsule splits longitudinally and contains small round black seeds.

Type: Capsule.

Bloom time: Spring, Summer

Storage & Preservation

Fresh harvested shoots store best in the refrigerator, lasting 7-10 days when wrapped in damp paper towels inside a plastic bag. Keep the white and green portions intact until useβ€”trimming exposes cut surfaces that deteriorate quickly.

For longer preservation, slice shoots into ΒΌ-inch pieces and freeze in single-use portions. They maintain good texture for cooked applications for up to 8 months. Dehydrating works well tooβ€”clean shoots thoroughly, chop, and dry until crisp, then store in airtight containers.

Fermenting creates a tangy condiment similar to kimchiβ€”pack chopped shoots with 2% salt by weight and ferment at room temperature for 3-5 days before refrigerating. The mild flavor also makes these excellent for quick pickling in rice vinegar with a touch of sugar, ready to use within 24 hours.

History & Origin

Origin: Northern Hemisphere, North America and Eurasia

Advantages

  • +Disease resistance: Deer
  • +Low maintenance

Considerations

  • -Toxic (Bark, Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Seeds, Stems): Low severity

Companion Plants

Plant Together

+

Roses

Alliums repel aphids, thrips, and other pests that commonly attack roses

+

Tomatoes

Alliums deter aphids, spider mites, and may help prevent fungal diseases

+

Carrots

Alliums repel carrot flies while carrots help break up soil for allium bulbs

+

Brassicas

Alliums deter cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles from cabbage family plants

+

Lettuce

Alliums repel aphids and slugs that damage lettuce leaves

+

Strawberries

Alliums deter slugs, aphids, and may help prevent fungal diseases in strawberry beds

+

Peppers

Alliums repel aphids and spider mites while not competing for nutrients

+

Marigolds

Both repel similar pests and create a strong pest-deterrent combination

Keep Apart

-

Beans

Alliums can inhibit nitrogen fixation and overall growth of legumes

-

Peas

Sulfur compounds in alliums can stunt pea growth and reduce pod production

-

Asparagus

Alliums can compete aggressively and may inhibit asparagus spear development

Nutrition Facts

Calories
40kcal
Protein
1.1g
Fiber
1.7g
Carbs
9.34g
Fat
0.1g
Vitamin C
7.4mg
Vitamin A
0mcg
Vitamin K
0.4mcg
Iron
0.21mg
Calcium
23mg
Potassium
146mg

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #170000)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good general disease resistance, very hardy and tolerant of weather extremes

Common Pests

Onion thrips, aphids, leaf miners

Diseases

Downy mildew, purple blotch, rust

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Evergreen Hardy White take to grow?β–Ό
You can begin harvesting tender shoots 65-90 days from seed, but plants really hit their stride in the second season. Initial growth is deliberately slow as plants establish strong root systems. Once established, new shoots regrow within 2-3 weeks after cutting, providing continuous harvests for 5-7 years from a single planting.
Can you grow Evergreen Hardy White in containers?β–Ό
Yes, these onions adapt well to containers at least 8 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Use quality potting mix and ensure good drainage. Container plants may need winter protection in zones 5 and belowβ€”move pots against a south-facing wall or into an unheated garage during the coldest periods.
Is Evergreen Hardy White good for beginners?β–Ό
Absolutely. Once established, these are among the most forgiving onions you can grow. They tolerate irregular watering, various soil types, and rarely suffer serious pest problems. The main beginner mistake is harvesting too heavily in the first yearβ€”patience during establishment pays off with decades of easy harvests.
What does Evergreen Hardy White taste like?β–Ό
The flavor is distinctly mild and sweet compared to storage onions, with a crisp, tender texture. The white portions are mildest, while green tops have slightly more onion bite. Both parts lack the sharp pungency that makes some people avoid raw onions, making them perfect for fresh applications and Asian cuisine.
When should I divide Evergreen Hardy White clumps?β–Ό
Divide established clumps every 3-4 years when centers become overcrowded and shoots grow thinner. Best timing is early spring before active growth begins, or fall after harvest slows. Dig entire clumps, separate into groups of 4-6 shoots with roots attached, and replant immediately.
Will Evergreen Hardy White survive winter in cold climates?β–Ό
Yes, established plants survive to zone 3 with proper mulching. In zones 5 and above, they often provide winter harvests. Apply 4-6 inches of straw mulch before hard frost in zones 3-4. Even if tops die back completely, roots survive and regrow vigorously in spring.

Growing Guides from Wind River Greens

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