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Onion, Potato -- Allium cepa L. (Aggregatum group)1
James M. Stephens2The potato onion is also known as multiplier onion. This type forms a cluster of underground bulbs of irregular shape. One of the larger bulbs in a cluster might be from 2 to over 3 inches in diameter, although most are smaller. The thick skin is coppery yellow in color.
potato onion. CULTURE
The potato onion rarely produces seeds, so it is propagated by the small bulblets or bulbs which are formed underground. When a strong bulb is planted it forms a number of smaller bulblets, each with a leafy top. However, a weak bulb generally grows into a single large bulb.The culture is similar to that for regular onions. Space 4-6 inches to allow for the clumps to form. It is suggested that bulbs be planted as for green onions during the period September through March in Florida.
USE
Pull individual green onions as soon as the bulbs are large enough for eating. Green immature onions may be used fresh like any type of bunching onion. More mature bulbs may be used in cooking after the outer scales are removed.
Footnotes
1. This document is HS633, one of a series of the Horticultural Sciences Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date May 1994. Reviewed May 2003. Visit the EDIS Web Site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.2. James M. Stephens, Professor, Horticultural Sciences Department, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32611.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Larry Arrington, Dean.
Copyright Information
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