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Evergreen White Bunching Onion

Allium fistulosum 'Evergreen White'

Evergreen White Bunching Onion growing in a garden

A hardy perennial scallion variety that lives up to its name by providing fresh green onions year-round in most climates. This vigorous variety forms thick white bases and dark green tops that can be harvested continuously by cutting and allowing to regrow. Perfect for gardeners who want a permanent source of fresh scallions without replanting.

Harvest

60-70d

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 White Bunching Onion in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 allium β†’

Zone Map

Click a state to update dates

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Evergreen White Bunching Onion Β· Zones 4–9

What grows well in Zone 7? β†’

Growing Details

Difficulty
Easy
Spacing2-3 inches initially, thin to 4-6 inches
SoilRich, well-drained soil with good organic matter
pH6.0-7.5
Water1 inch per week, consistent moisture
SeasonCool season, can grow year-round in mild climates
FlavorMild onion flavor, sweet white bases with slightly stronger green tops
ColorPure white bases with dark green tops
Size6-8 inches long, pencil-thick stems

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 Evergreen White Bunching Onions store best in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels inside a plastic bag, maintaining quality for 1-2 weeks. Keep the white and green portions intact until use to maximize freshness. Avoid washing until ready to use.

For longer preservation, slice both white and green portions and freeze in ice cube trays with water or oil – perfect for dropping into soups and stir-fries. The texture changes but flavor remains excellent for cooking applications.

Dehydrate cleaned, sliced green tops in a food dehydrator or low oven (140Β°F) until crisp, then store in airtight containers for up to one year. These dried scallion greens make excellent seasoning for soups, dips, and spice blends.

Ferment whole small scallions in a 3% salt brine for 3-5 days at room temperature, then refrigerate. This creates a tangy, probiotic-rich garnish that pairs beautifully with Asian dishes.

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

+

Carrots

Onions repel carrot flies while carrots help break up soil for onion root development

+

Tomatoes

Onions deter aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms that commonly attack tomatoes

+

Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli)

Onions repel cabbage worms, flea beetles, and other brassica pests

+

Lettuce

Onions provide pest protection without competing for space due to different growth habits

+

Strawberries

Onions deter slugs, aphids, and other soft-bodied pests that damage strawberry plants

+

Peppers

Onions repel aphids and spider mites while not competing for root space

+

Parsley

Both plants benefit from similar growing conditions and parsley attracts beneficial insects

+

Spinach

Onions provide pest protection and their vertical growth doesn't shade low-growing spinach

Keep Apart

-

Beans

Onions can inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation by interfering with beneficial root bacteria

-

Peas

Onions stunt pea growth and can reduce their ability to fix nitrogen effectively

-

Asparagus

Onions can inhibit asparagus spear development and overall plant vigor

Nutrition Facts

Calories
40kcal(2%)
Protein
1.1g(2%)
Fiber
1.7g(6%)
Carbs
9.34g(3%)
Fat
0.1g(0%)
Vitamin C
7.4mg(8%)
Vitamin A
0mcg(0%)
Vitamin K
0.4mcg(0%)
Iron
0.21mg(1%)
Calcium
23mg(2%)
Potassium
146mg(3%)

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

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good resistance to most onion diseases, very hardy

Common Pests

Thrips, aphids, onion maggot

Diseases

Downy mildew, purple blotch (rarely serious)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Evergreen White bunching onions to grow?β–Ό
First harvest occurs 60-70 days from seed when plants reach 8-10 inches tall. After cutting, they regrow for reharvest in 3-4 weeks. As perennials, established plants provide continuous harvests for 3-5 years, becoming more productive each season as clumps multiply and expand.
Can you grow Evergreen White bunching onions in containers?β–Ό
Yes, they excel in containers at least 8 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Use quality potting mix with compost, ensure drainage holes, and feed monthly with liquid fertilizer. Container plants need more frequent watering but offer easier harvest access and better pest control than ground plantings.
What do Evergreen White bunching onions taste like?β–Ό
They offer a mild, sweet onion flavor with tender white bases and slightly more pungent green tops. The flavor is milder than regular bulb onions but more pronounced than chives, making them perfect for fresh eating in salads or as garnishes without overwhelming other ingredients.
When should I plant Evergreen White bunching onions?β–Ό
Plant in early spring 2-3 weeks before last frost when soil reaches 50Β°F, or in late summer/early fall 8-10 weeks before first hard frost. Fall planting often produces stronger plants since they establish roots over winter and grow vigorously in spring.
Do Evergreen White bunching onions come back every year?β–Ό
Yes, they're true perennials hardy in zones 3-9. Plants die back partially in winter but regrow from roots each spring. In mild climates, they remain semi-evergreen with harvestable foliage year-round. Clumps expand annually, providing increasingly larger harvests over time.
How do you divide Evergreen White bunching onion clumps?β–Ό
Divide every 2-3 years in early spring before active growth begins. Dig entire clumps, gently separate individual plants with roots attached, and replant 4-6 inches apart with fresh compost. This prevents overcrowding, maintains vigorous growth, and provides new plants for expanding your harvest area.

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