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Onion, Potato—Allium cepa L. (Aggregatum group)1

James M. Stephens 2

The 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.

Figure 1. Potato onions.
Figure 1.  Potato onions.
Credit: Rainer Haessner, CC BY-SA 3.0

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 to 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, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date May 1994. Revised September 2015. Reviewed October 2018. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. James M. Stephens, professor emeritus, Horticultural Sciences Department; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Publication #HS633

Release Date:November 1, 2018

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Stephens, James M.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

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