Six perennial onion and onion-family choices are supported here: Egyptian walking onions, Welsh onions, multiplier or potato onions, shallots, common chives, and garlic chives. They do not all grow or overwinter alike. Some persist as clumps or spread by bulbils; others form bulb clusters but may be grown as annual crops, depending on local practice and climate.
How these six perennial alliums differ
“Perennial” describes different habits in this group. Egyptian walking onions can spread when their topsets root. Welsh onions and chives grow as bunching or clumping plants. Multiplier onions and shallots form clusters of bulbs, but gardeners may lift and replant them rather than leave them in place indefinitely. Winter survival and planting timing vary by region, so use local extension guidance for your area.
| Type | What you harvest | Growth habit | Propagation or management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egyptian walking onion (Allium × proliferum) | Leaves, clumps, and topsets | Forms bulbils on top of the plant; rooted bulbils can establish new plants | Plant bulbils or divide the clump |
| Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum) | Green stems | Bunching onion type | Check regional advice for planting dates and overwintering |
| Multiplier or potato onion | Clusters of small-to-medium bulbs | Divides into a cluster of bulbs | May be kept in place or replanted, depending on local practice and climate |
| Shallot | Bulbs | Cluster-forming bulb crop | Gardeners may replant bulbs to maintain the crop |
| Common chives | Leaves | Perennial clump | Harvest leaves; tolerates partial shade |
| Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) | Leaves | Perennial, clump-forming herb | Grow in moist, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade |
1. Egyptian walking onion
Egyptian walking onion (Allium × proliferum) is the clearest choice if you want an onion patch that can multiply on its own. It forms topsets—small bulbils—at the top of its stems. When these bulbils fall or are placed in the soil, they can root and establish new plants; that movement away from the parent plant explains the name “walking onion.” You can also propagate it by dividing the clump.
Harvest the leaves as needed, dig a clump, or use the topsets to start plants elsewhere. This is a useful option for gardeners who want both greens and planting material from a persistent patch.
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2. Welsh or bunching onion
Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum) is a bunching onion grown for its green stems, rather than for a large storage bulb. It is also called green onion, spring onion, or Japanese onion. Those common names can refer to other onions in ordinary use, so the botanical name helps identify this particular plant.
Keep Welsh onions distinct from walking onions: Welsh onions are a bunching type, while walking onions are notable for topsets that can root and form new plants. Ask your regional extension service for locally appropriate planting dates and overwintering guidance.
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3. Multiplier or potato onion
Choose a multiplier onion, also called a potato onion, when you want a cluster of bulbs rather than a crop focused on leafy greens. A planted bulb divides to produce a group of bulbs, which can be harvested as a cluster.
Whether it is managed as a lasting garden plant or lifted and replanted depends on conditions and local growing practice. Maryland Extension describes multiplier onions as a perennial type but notes that they are typically grown as annuals in Maryland. That regional example is a reason not to assume the bulbs will persist the same way in every garden.
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4. Shallots
Shallots are another bulb-producing option. Like multiplier onions, they form bulb clusters, and gardeners can replant bulbs to maintain a crop. Maryland Extension groups shallots with perennial onion types while noting that annual cultivation is typical in Maryland. In practice, treat shallots as a bulb crop whose management depends on your region—not as a guaranteed permanent planting.
5. Common chives
Common chives are a perennial allium grown for their leaves, not for a substantial storage bulb. UC Agriculture and Natural Resources says chives can be harvested year-round and prefer four to six hours of sun, while also tolerating partial shade. They suit gardeners who want a recurring supply of edible leaves from a clump.
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6. Garlic chives
Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) are a perennial, clump-forming herb in the onion family. They are not ordinary bulb onions. University of New Hampshire Extension recommends moist, well-drained soil and a site in full sun to part shade.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which type should you choose?
- For a self-multiplying patch: Choose Egyptian walking onion if you want leaves and topsets that can root into new plants.
- For green stems in a bunching habit: Consider Welsh onion, checking regional guidance for planting and winter conditions.
- For clusters of bulbs: Consider multiplier or potato onions or shallots, and plan on management that fits your local climate.
- For recurring leaf harvests: Common chives and garlic chives are clump-forming perennial choices; select between them based on the growing conditions available and the allium you want.
What “perennial onion” means in your garden
Before planting, decide whether you want leaves, green stems, bulb clusters, or topsets for propagation. Then check local extension advice for planting time and winter survival. A plant described as perennial may still be cultivated as an annual bulb crop in your region, while a clump-forming or topset-producing allium may suit a different kind of long-term planting.
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