Welsh Bunching Onions: A Hardy Perennial with a Rich History

Welsh Bunching Onions (Allium fistulosum) have been a part of gardens and kitchens for centuries. Known for their mild, sweet flavor and perennial nature, they’ve long been a staple in both culinary and ornamental gardens. Though their name suggests a connection to Wales, these onions have roots in Asia, particularly in Japan and China, where they are key ingredients in traditional dishes.

In Japan, Welsh Bunching Onions, known as negi, are used in a variety of dishes like miso soup, ramen, and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). In China, they are often featured in scallion pancakes (cong you bing, 葱油饼), a popular street food. These versatile onions have traveled across the globe, from ancient Asian gardens to modern kitchens, and have been loved for their mild flavor and easy growing habits.

Bunching onions are grown in abundance in Japan.

Chinese scallion pancakes (葱油饼) made from Welsh Onions.

Why Welsh Bunching Onions?

• Perennial & Low Maintenance: These onions return every year, making them an easy, long-term investment for your garden. After dying back in the colder months, they return each spring stronger and ready to produce. In zones 4 and up, they thrive with little care, but gardeners in zone 3 can add a layer of mulch to help them survive the winter.

  
  

• Mild & Versatile Flavor: Welsh Bunching Onions are milder than traditional onions, with a sweet, subtle flavor. They’re perfect for fresh uses like salads, or for adding flavor to cooked dishes like soups, stir-fries, and savory pancakes.

  
  

• A Culinary Star: In addition to their role in Chinese and Japanese cooking, Welsh Bunching Onions are a favorite in a wide range of cuisines, especially for their ability to be used both raw and cooked.

How to Grow Welsh Bunching Onions

1. Choose a Good Spot: Pick a sunny location with well-drained, compost-rich soil. These onions prefer moist soil but dislike being waterlogged, so good drainage is key.

   
   

2. Space Them Out: Plant your starts about 6 inches apart. As they grow, they’ll form clumps that can be harvested or divided to expand your patch. Over time, these onions will multiply into little bunches, making them an efficient and productive addition to your garden.

   
   

3. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but be sure not to over water. Too much water can cause the plants to rot, so make sure the drainage is good.

   
   

4. Winter Care: In colder zones (3–4), apply a layer of mulch in the fall to protect the plants. When spring arrives, remove the mulch to let the new shoots grow.

   
   

Perennial Welsh Onions flower abundantly and make great bee forage.

Harvesting & Using Welsh Bunching Onions

You can begin harvesting once the outer stalks reach around 6–8 inches tall. Simply cut the outer shoots and let the inner ones continue growing. Over time, the plant will multiply into a cluster of onion plants that you can divide or keep harvesting from.

Welsh Bunching Onions are incredibly versatile and can be used in many dishes:

• In Salads: Thinly slice them for a mild, crunchy addition.

• In Stir-Fries & Soups: Add them at the end of cooking for a fresh, flavorful kick.

• As a Garnish: Use them to sprinkle on top of your favorite dishes for an extra burst of flavor.

Harvested Welsh Onions waiting to be prepped in the kitchen.

A Garden Favorite, Year After Year

Welsh Bunching Onions are an excellent, low-maintenance perennial that grows year after year with minimal care. Whether you’re planting them in a vegetable patch, using them as an edible border, they offer both beauty and function in your garden. With their reliable growth, mild flavor, and wide-ranging uses in cooking, they’re sure to become a staple in your garden and kitchen.

In spring and fall, you can order Perennial Welsh Onion plant starts here.