Ishukara Onion

Description

The Ishikura variety of bunching onion, also known as “Japanese bunching onion,” is prized for
its long, slender green stalks and mild, sweet flavor. Unlike traditional bulb onions, this variety is grown primarily for its abundant green foliage rather than for bulb formation. The Ishikura bunching onion produces tall, upright stalks that remain tender and flavorful throughout the growing season. These onions are commonly used in Asian cuisine but are versatile enough to be used in various culinary dishes worldwide. With its resilience, prolific growth, and delightful taste, the Ishikura bunching onion is a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike, adding a burst of freshness and flavor to salads, stir-fries, soups, and more.

To plant the Ishikura variety of bunching onion, follow these steps:

1. **Timing:** Plant Ishikura bunching onion seeds directly in the garden in early spring or late summer. They can be sown as soon as the soil is workable and temperatures are consistently above freezing.

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 Ishikura 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 growth.

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:** Ishikura 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 Ishikura bunching onions in your garden, providing you with a continuous harvest of flavorful green stalks throughout the growing season.