Potato Onions, What are they?

[jammar9082]

Potato onions are listed on the web site as a multiplier onion three to four inches across. Do they grow below the ground like potatoes?

[lovetogarden]

They are multiplier onions. Instead of producing a seed head, the bulb multiplies
under the ground similar to garlic cloves. It makes it easier not having to save seed, but I found these do not store as well.

[jammar9082]

Thanks for your reply. I did a search and found a lot of information on these type of onions. I should have did the search before posting my thread. Your comment about the Potato Onions not storing well is interesting as storage has been my problem with the regular type of onions that I have grown. I was looking for a better keeper onion.

[caminante]

Thanks for your reply. I did a search and found a lot of information on these type of onions. I should have did the search before posting my thread. Your comment about the Potato Onions not storing well is interesting as storage has been my problem with the regular type of onions that I have grown. I was looking for a better keeper onion.

We used to raise a yellow multiplier onion that kept literally for years--I remember planting some that were something like 3 years old and they grew just fine. I don't know the variety, unfortunately, just something the family always raised.

[Ohiorganic]

What is the difference between potatoe onions and shallots? they look and grow the same.

Storage onions-yellow long day onions such as Copra, Varsity, etc., are excellent for storage. They will last easily until April if cured correctly when harvested. Red onions such as red wing, Mars, mercury, etc., are also excellent keepers.

Sweet onions will not store longer than 8 weeks out side of refrigeration and no more than 4 months if refrigerated

Most short day onions are bad keepers. I guess that is the trade off for having a much longer growing season than us northerns