Welsh onion
Welsh Onion (Allium fistulosum)
A hardy, non‑bulbing perennial onion grown for its tender stems, mild flavour, and year‑round productivity 🧅
🌿 Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum) is a hardy, clump‑forming perennial onion that produces tender, hollow stems rather than bulbs. Despite the name, it is not originally from Wales — the name comes from the old English word “welisc”, meaning foreign. Loved for its mild onion flavour, vigorous growth, and reliability, Welsh onion is an essential herb for any kitchen garden. Widely known in Japan as Negi, a key ingredient in ramen, miso soup, and yakitori. It thrives in UK conditions, returns year after year, and provides a continuous supply of fresh stems for cooking.
🐝 Garden Benefits
Welsh onion is excellent for wildlife and garden ecology.
• Pollinator‑friendly: globe‑shaped flowers attract bees and hoverflies 🐝
• Low maintenance: hardy, reliable, and long‑lived
• Great companion plant: helps deter pests such as aphids and carrot fly
• Year‑round interest: provides fresh greens even in winter
📏 Plant Details
Botanical name: Allium fistulosum
Common name: Welsh onion, bunching onion
Type: Perennial herb
Aspect: Full sun
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 30 to 60 cm
Spread: 30 to 45 cm (clump‑forming)
Welsh onion is wonderfully versatile, offering a mild, sweet onion flavour similar to spring onions.
Stems
Use fresh or cooked in:
• Stir‑fries and noodle dishes 🍜
• Soups, broths, and ramen
• Omelettes, quiches, and savoury tarts
• Salads, salsas, and garnishes
• Herb butters and marinades
Leaves
• Finely chopped as a garnish
• Ideal for Asian‑inspired dishes
• Adds a gentle onion note without overpowering
Flowers
• Edible and mildly onion‑flavoured
• Attractive garnish for salads and summer dishes 🌼
🌟 Flavour profile: mild, sweet onion with a fresh, green brightness.
