Allium fistulosum
Allium fistulosum
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Pl. 59EF — Allium fistulosum
Allium fistulosumAllium fistulosumAllium fistulosumAllium fistulosumAllium fistulosumAllium fistulosumAllium fistulosumAllium fistulosumAllium fistulosumAllium fistulosumAllium fistulosumAllium fistulosumAllium fistulosumAllium fistulosum
IOverview
Overview
Allium fistulosum, commonly known as Chinese bunching onion or Welsh onion, is a hardy annual herb native to China's central regions. This light-loving plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it suitable for gardens with sandy, medium, or clay soil types. It can be grown from seed sown in spring after the frost danger has passed or in fall in frost-free areas. Seeds should be planted about 30 cm apart and covered with 1 cm of fine soil, emerging within 7 to 14 days. The plant reaches a height of 60 cm and a width of 30 cm, making it an attractive addition to the garden. Its edible stems can be harvested after 90 days for use in various culinary applications.
Quick answers
What is Allium fistulosum?
Allium fistulosum, commonly known as Chinese bunching onion or Welsh onion, is a hardy annual herb native to China's central regions. This light-loving plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it suitable for gardens with sandy, medium, or clay soil types.
What is Allium fistulosum used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Allium fistulosum
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Allium fistulosum appears in herbal sources around after-meal comfort traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Stomach Comfort
digestiontincture
Traditional remedy for digestive issues.
Spring Elixir
immunetea
Historic springtime tonic for the immune system.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Allium fistulosum thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 5 to 9. Sow seeds after the danger of frost in spring, or in fall for frost-free areas, spacing them about 15 cm apart and covering with 1 cm of fine soil. Keep the soil evenly moist until seedlings emerge in 7-14 days. The plant reaches a height of 0.6 meters and a width of 0.3 meters. For best results, maintain a soil pH between 7 and 7.5. Harvest the edible stem parts after about 90 days.
Light
9/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m × 0.3 m
Soil pH
7–7.5
- Propagation
- Sow in average soil in full sun after danger of frost in spring. In frost-free areas, sow in fall. Sow thinly 30cm apart and cover with 1cm of fine soil. Firm lightly and keep evenly moist. Seedlings emerge in 7-14 days.
- Germination
- 6-12 days
- Days to maturity
- 90
- Days to harvest
- 60
- Spacing
- 15cm
- Row spacing
- 30 cm
For first-time growers
How to grow Allium fistulosum for the first time
7steps
Start with Allium fistulosum for a simple and rewarding gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a garden fork or trowel, a measuring tape.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall where winters are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun. Ensure soil is well-draining, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Sow seeds 30cm apart in rows, covering them with 1cm of fine soil. Firm lightly.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil evenly moist and watch for seedlings to emerge in 7-14 days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain plant health, and harvest stems when they are 30-45cm tall.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:stem
Edible uses: The Allium fistulosum, commonly known as Chinese bunching onion or scallion, is eaten for its tender green stems and white base. These are typically harvested when young and can be used raw in salads or cooked in stir-fries, soups, and sauces. The stems are also dried for later use. SKIP
Other uses:Deer resistant
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 18 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 18 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 2 native· 18 introduced
Europe4 regions
introduced (4)BulgariaFranceNorwayRussia
Asia4 regions
native (1)China
introduced (3)CambodiaKazakhstanSouth Korea
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Seychelles
Broader regions
introduced:Illinois, Kriti, Magadan, Northwest Territorie, Czechoslovakia, Trinidad-Tobago, Solomon Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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