Potato Onion Red (6 bulbs)
Potato onions come in various shapes, sizes and colours, but all are bunching (multiplying) onions that are best grown from bulb divisions each year rather than seed. Larger than shallots with a more intense flavour, they are stars of the culinary world and an onion that was the mainstay of many European cultures. Its history is confusing, but most agree that it comes from Nordic origins, as described by Linnaeus in 1734. Highly productive, bulbs are usually planted in autumn or spring. Use similarly to shallots but expect a more flavourful result.
Plant in rich, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Add compost or well-rotted manure prior to planting. Plant onions at soil level (half exposed) and around 20cm apart. Sprinkle with some blood and bone and water in well. Keep moist, but not wet. Harvest potato onions when the tops fall over and begin to dry. Stores well, lasting up to 12 months in the right conditions. Replant the smallest bulbs after harvest or wait until the following autumn or spring.