Tennessee Walking Onion: Complete Growing Guide & Uses

Tennessee Walking Onions (Allium proliferum) are not actually native to Tennessee but are a unique perennial onion variety known for their distinctive 'walking' growth pattern. These hardy plants produce bulbils at the top of their stalks that eventually become heavy enough to bend the stalk to the ground, where they take root and form new plants - creating the appearance of 'walking' across your garden. Unlike common onions, they require minimal care once established and provide year-round harvests of both green onions and small bulbs in USDA zones 3-9.

Confused about what exactly constitutes a Tennessee onion? You're not alone. Despite the name, there's no official "Tennessee onion" variety grown exclusively in the Volunteer State. What gardeners and cooks actually mean is the Tennessee Walking Onion, also known as Egyptian Walking Onion or Topset Onion. This remarkable perennial plant has been cultivated for centuries and offers gardeners a low-maintenance, continuous harvest with minimal effort.

What Makes Walking Onions Unique

Unlike traditional bulb onions that complete their life cycle in one season, Tennessee Walking Onions (Allium proliferum) are perennial alliums that reproduce through aerial bulbils. These small bulbs form at the top of the stalk rather than underground. As they mature and gain weight, the stalk bends toward the soil, allowing the bulbils to touch the ground and take root - creating the "walking" effect that gives them their name.

These hardy plants thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3-9, making them suitable for most of Tennessee's climate. They're exceptionally cold-tolerant, often being the first green shoots to emerge in early spring, sometimes even pushing through snow. Their resilience makes them ideal for beginner gardeners or those seeking low-maintenance perennial crops.

Historical Journey of the Walking Onion

The true origins of walking onions remain somewhat mysterious, but historical evidence suggests they've been cultivated for centuries across multiple continents. Unlike many modern hybrids, these heirloom plants have maintained their distinctive characteristics through generations of natural selection.

Walking Onion Historical Timeline

• Pre-1600s: Evidence suggests walking onions were cultivated in ancient Egypt and throughout the Middle East
• 1600s: Documented in European herbals as "Egyptian onions" despite not being native to Egypt
• Early 1800s: Brought to North America by European settlers, spreading through pioneer communities
• Late 1800s: Became established in Appalachian homesteads, where they earned the "Tennessee" designation
• 1930s: Documented in USDA agricultural surveys as a common homestead crop throughout the Southeast
• Present: Recognized as a valuable heirloom perennial by sustainable agriculture organizations

Growing Tennessee Walking Onions: A Practical Guide

One of the most appealing aspects of walking onions is their remarkable ease of cultivation. Unlike traditional onions that require annual planting, these perennials establish themselves and spread naturally with minimal intervention.

Optimal Planting Conditions

Walking onions thrive in full sun but tolerate partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil but adapt to various soil types, from sandy loam to heavier clay soils. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture recommends planting in early spring or fall for best results in Tennessee's climate zones.

Planting and Maintenance

• Planting depth: Set bulbs 1-2 inches deep, spacing 6-8 inches apart
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment, but mature plants require minimal irrigation
• Fertilization: Apply compost in spring; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote excessive leaf growth
• Division: Control spread by harvesting excess bulbils or dividing clumps every 3-4 years

Harvesting Throughout the Seasons

Walking onions offer multiple harvest opportunities:

• Spring: Harvest tender green shoots as scallions
• Summer: Collect small underground bulbs
• Late summer: Harvest mature aerial bulbils before they "walk"
• Fall: Dig established underground bulbs for storage

Comparison of Onion Varieties for Home Gardeners

Onion Type	Growth Cycle	Harvest Period	Maintenance Level	Storage Potential
Tennessee Walking Onion	Perennial	Year-round	Low	Moderate (bulbs)
Yellow Storage Onion	Annual	One season	Moderate	Excellent (6-8 months)
Green Onions	Annual	Spring-Fall	Moderate	Poor (use fresh)
Shallots	Biennial	One season	Moderate	Good (4-6 months)

Culinary Applications and Flavor Profile

Tennessee Walking Onions offer a distinctive flavor that bridges the gap between common onions and garlic. The underground bulbs have a stronger, more pungent flavor than typical green onions, while the green shoots provide a milder, chive-like taste. The aerial bulbils offer the most intense flavor, similar to shallots with a garlic undertone.

Chef John T. Edge, director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History's Culinary Center, notes: "Walking onions bring a complex flavor profile to Southern cooking that's unmatched by standard varieties. Their year-round availability made them indispensable to Appalachian homesteaders."

Best Culinary Uses

• Green shoots: Perfect for salads, omelets, and as garnish (use raw for maximum flavor)
• Underground bulbs: Excellent roasted, grilled, or caramelized (similar to pearl onions)
• Aerial bulbils: Ideal for pickling, fermenting, or using in spice blends (their intense flavor holds up to cooking)

Understanding Growing Limitations

While remarkably adaptable, Tennessee Walking Onions do have specific context boundaries that affect their performance:

• Climate limitations: Perform best in USDA zones 3-9; struggle in extreme heat (above 95°F) without shade
• Soil requirements: Need good drainage; will rot in consistently waterlogged soil
• Space considerations: Can become invasive if not managed; require 12-18 inches of space to spread naturally
• Companion planting: Avoid planting near peas or beans, which they can inhibit; excellent companions for carrots and beets

The North Carolina State Extension notes that walking onions may struggle in the deep South's intense summer heat without afternoon shade, while performing exceptionally well in Tennessee's more moderate climate. In northern regions, they benefit from a light mulch during winter months.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Fortunately, walking onions face few serious problems, but gardeners should watch for these potential issues:

• Thrips: Small insects that cause silvering of leaves; control with insecticidal soap
• Onion maggots: More common in heavy clay soils; use row covers for prevention
• Excessive spreading: Harvest extra bulbils to control spread; they make excellent gifts for fellow gardeners
• Reduced vigor: Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain productivity

Preserving This Heirloom Treasure

Unlike many modern hybrids, Tennessee Walking Onions represent valuable genetic diversity in our food system. The Seed Savers Exchange classifies them as an important heirloom variety worth preserving. By growing these plants, you're participating in a centuries-old agricultural tradition that connects modern gardeners with historical foodways.

For those interested in sustainable gardening practices, walking onions offer multiple benefits: they require no annual replanting, improve soil health through their deep root systems, and provide continuous harvests with minimal inputs. Their resilience makes them particularly valuable as climate patterns become more unpredictable.

Are Tennessee Walking Onions actually from Tennessee?

No, despite the name, Tennessee Walking Onions aren't exclusive to Tennessee. The name likely originated from their widespread cultivation in Appalachian homesteads, including Tennessee. They're actually a variety of Egyptian Walking Onion (Allium proliferum) that has been grown worldwide for centuries.

How do I control Tennessee Walking Onions from spreading too much?

To control spreading, harvest the aerial bulbils before they become heavy enough to bend the stalk to the ground. You can also create physical barriers in your garden bed or regularly divide the clumps every 3-4 years. Planting in containers is another effective method for containment.

Can I grow Tennessee Walking Onions in containers?

Yes, walking onions grow well in containers that are at least 12 inches deep. Use a quality potting mix with good drainage. Container growing actually helps control their natural spreading tendency. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and feed with balanced organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

How long do Tennessee Walking Onions last once harvested?

Fresh green shoots last 7-10 days in the refrigerator. Underground bulbs store for 2-3 months in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. Aerial bulbils have the longest storage potential, lasting 3-4 months under proper conditions. For best flavor, use within 2 weeks of harvest.