Do Spanish onions develop large bulbils?
Question. Do Spanish onions develop large bulbils like an egyptian walking onion? I am growing some out for seed. I planted seed and harvested 1 inch bulbs for my own sets last year. These 1 inch bulbs are now producing a rather large bulbil. I was kind of expecting a seed head.
Answer: Thank you for your email! This is a great question and one that comes up often when gardeners are growing onions for seed.
Spanish onions are typically grown for their bulbs and seed heads—not for bulbils. However, bulbils on onion plants can occur under certain conditions. While Egyptian walking onions are known for producing large, top-setting bulbils, Spanish onions generally do not form large bulbils. When they do produce bulbils, they tend to be small (about 1 cm or less) and usually result from plant stress.
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Why Am I Seeing Bulbils on My Spanish Onion Plants?
Bulbils on onion plants like Spanish onions are uncommon but can appear when the plant is trying to adapt to environmental stress. Overcrowding, heat stress, poor soil conditions, or even excessive nitrogen can all lead to abnormal growth responses, including the formation of bulbils instead of flowers.
If your area has experienced a heat wave lately (like we have), that may be the cause. In stressful conditions, onions may abandon their usual goal of producing seed and instead form bulbils to ensure survival.
Understanding Onion Growth: Patience Pays Off
It’s easy to get discouraged when onions seem stalled, but it’s helpful to remember that Spanish onions often take their time. They put a lot of energy into top growth early on, and the bulb development may come later—sometimes all at once. We’ve had a year where we nearly gave up on our onions entirely while building a house, only to come back and find the biggest onions we’d ever grown!
Be Careful With Fertilizer—Too Much Can Delay Bulbing
If you’ve been feeding your onions regularly, be mindful of nitrogen levels. Too much nitrogen can cause lush green tops and delay or stunt bulb growth. A light, balanced feeding schedule usually works better than heavy applications.
Conclusion: What to Expect From Your Spanish Onion Plants
In summary, Spanish onion plants don’t normally produce large bulbils, but small ones may appear in response to stress. If you’re seeing bulbils on your onion plants instead of seed heads, it’s likely a reaction to growing conditions. With patience and care, your onions may still form proper bulbs or flower heads suitable for seed saving.
Looking forward to your reply with more info. 🙂 God bless!
FAQ:
Do Spanish onion plants produce bulbils?
Spanish onions are not typically known for producing bulbils. However, under stress—such as heat or overcrowding—small bulbils on onion plants may appear.
What are bulbils on onion plants?
Bulbils are small, aerial bulbs that sometimes form where seed heads should be. On Spanish onion plants, bulbils are rare but can occur under certain conditions.
Why is my Spanish onion producing bulbils instead of a seed head?
This usually happens when the plant is stressed—due to heat, poor soil, or high nitrogen levels. Spanish onions normally form seed heads, not large bulbils.
Are bulbils on onion plants a sign of poor growing conditions?
They can be. Bulbils often develop on onion plants when the plant is struggling to reproduce normally, especially in compacted soil or high heat.
Can I plant bulbils from my Spanish onion plant?
Yes, but it’s not common. If bulbils appear, you can plant them for vegetative propagation. However, Spanish onions are typically grown from seed or bulb sets.
How can I prevent bulbils from forming on my Spanish onions?
Ensure the plants have proper spacing, good soil drainage, and balanced nutrition. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, and reduce stress from heat and crowding.
Is it normal for Spanish onions to produce seed heads?
Yes, Spanish onions are seed-producing varieties. If healthy and not stressed, they should form flower stalks (umbels) for seed collection—not bulbils.
What do bulbils on Spanish onions look like?
They are small, rounded bulbs (about 1 cm or less), usually forming where a seed head would grow. Unlike walking onions, they stay small and are uncommon.
Will bulbils affect my Spanish onion bulb development?
Yes, if bulbils form, the plant may redirect energy from bulb or seed development. It’s best to remove them if you’re growing for seed or full bulbs.
Should I worry if my Spanish onion has bulbils?
Not necessarily. It’s a stress response and won’t ruin your crop. Adjust your growing conditions, and your Spanish onions may still produce healthy bulbs or seeds.
