Evergreen Hardy White

Description

The Evergreen Hardy White variety of bunching onion is prized for its resilience, flavor, and versatility. Unlike traditional bulb onions, this variety is grown primarily for its long, slender green stalks rather than its bulbs. The Evergreen Hardy White bunching onion produces abundant, upright stalks that remain green and flavorful throughout the growing season, even in cooler climates. The stalks are tender and have a mild, onion-like flavor, making them perfect for fresh eating, slicing into salads, garnishing dishes, or adding flavor to soups and stir-fries. As its name suggests, the Evergreen Hardy White variety is known for its ability to withstand cold temperatures and continue growing, providing a reliable harvest of fresh green onions year- round. With its resilience and culinary versatility, this variety is a favorite among gardeners and cooks alike, adding a burst of flavor and freshness to any meal.

To plant Evergreen Hardy White bunching onions, follow these steps:

1. **Timing:** Plant bunching onion seeds directly in the garden in early spring, as soon as the soil is workable and temperatures are consistently above freezing. You can also sow seeds in late summer for a fall harvest.

2. **Location:** Choose a sunny to partially shaded location in your garden with well-drained soil. Bunching onions can tolerate a wide range of soil types but prefer soil that is rich in organic matter.

3. **Soil preparation:** Work the soil to a depth of about 4-6 inches, breaking up any clumps and
removing debris. Incorporate compost or well-aged manure to improve soil fertility and structure.

4. **Sowing seeds:** Sow onion seeds thinly and evenly, about ¼ inch deep, in rows spaced 12- 18 inches apart. Alternatively, you can broadcast seeds over a wider area and thin the seedlings later to the desired spacing.

5. **Watering:** Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the germination period. Once
the seedlings are established, water them deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

6. **Thinning:** If you sow seeds densely or if seedlings emerge too closely together, thin them out when they reach about 2-3 inches tall. Leave the strongest seedlings spaced about 2-3 inches apart to allow for proper bulb development.

7. **Mulching:** Mulch around the onion plants with organic materials like straw or grass clippings to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.

8. **Fertilization:** Bunching onions are light feeders but benefit from a balanced fertilizer application midway through the growing season. Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer according to the
package instructions.

9. **Harvesting:** Evergreen Hardy White bunching onions can be harvested as soon as they reach the desired size, usually when the stalks are about 8-10 inches tall. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the stalks just above the soil level. Leave the remaining plants in the ground to continue producing more stalks.

By following these planting instructions, you can grow a successful crop of Evergreen Hardy White bunching onions in your garden, providing you with a continuous harvest of flavorful green stalks throughout the growing season.