"Do you need to clip the tops of multiplying onions the same as regular onions?" I assume that you mean clipping the flower stalk... and that depends upon the onion. There are 3 main types of multiplier onions: - Walking onions, which form little to no ground bulb, are extremely winter hardy, and form small bulbs (topsets) at the end of their stalks, in place of flowers. - Perennial bulbing multipliers (such as shallots & potato onions) which divide at the base, and may form flower stalks. Both of these are Allium cepa, the same species as common bulbing onions. - Bunching onions, which are a different species (A. fistulosum) form no bulb, multiply at the base (to a greater or lesser degree, depending upon variety), and blossom in their second year. For any of these, clipping off the stalk as soon as it appears will stimulate better multiplication from the base, especially for the bunching onions. You might not want to clip the stalk for the walking onions, if you want the bulbils to increase the size of the patch, or to share with others. When I lived in San Diego, I was given a small nesting onion by a Hmong gardener, that multiplied very rapidly - splitting into up to 20 stalks. Looked like a bunching onion, but formed small bulbs. Left it behind when I moved, and haven't seen anything similar since.... wish I still had it here.

I have grown that very onion for several years. In fact, last year I had such a good harvest that I was able to send stock to several people from this forum. I have never been overly impressed with it, but it is a curiosity, and something people seem to be interested in. I plant the bulbs in the fall for a midsummer harvest, I have not left them in the ground as I would expect they would degrade and go "grassy" like garlic left in the ground will. The onion that I was referring to is a scallion or bunching type that has formed quite a nice patch where I can pull as many as I need. They also bloom and produce viable seed. This is a variety that I planted from seed a number of years ago, and no longer have record or recollection of the name. Steve

Do any of you folks have any garlic and onions ( multiplier or what do you have) to offer for trade for some perennial plants? Really would like gardeners advice on the best garlic they grow and how hardy they are. I am in zone 5a. Illinois. Thanks, hope some one has some extras from their 2013 harvest. Trying my hand on growing something I can eat beside the tomatoes I grow.

I can send you some multiplier onions (aka 'shallots', not scallions - scallions are the non-bulbing 'green' onions that look like chives). These are agricultural grade Dutch shallots. The cultivar name is 'Yellow Moon'. Send me an e-mail at tammyinolympia@yahoo.com. I don't need anything in trade.