What hardiness zones is Allium cepa 'Evergreen Hardy White' suitable for?

Allium cepa 'Evergreen Hardy White' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b.

What are the sun requirements for Allium cepa 'Evergreen Hardy White'?

Allium cepa 'Evergreen Hardy White' requires full sun to partial shade.

How much water does Allium cepa 'Evergreen Hardy White' need?

Allium cepa 'Evergreen Hardy White' has moderate water needs.

Vegetables

Allium cepa 'Evergreen Hardy White'

Evergreen Hardy White Bunching Onion

AmaryllidaceaeAsia

At a Glance

Typevegetable

Habitclumping

Foliagesemi-evergreen

Height12-18 inches

Width6-8 inches

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 9b

Zone 3a

Zone 3b

Zone 4a

Zone 4b

Zone 5a

Zone 5b

Zone 6a

Zone 6b

Zone 7a

Zone 7b

Zone 8a

Zone 8b

Zone 9a

Zone 9b

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Allium cepa 'Evergreen Hardy White' is a cold-hardy bunching onion cultivar prized for its exceptional winter tolerance and clean white bases. This perennial onion forms tight clusters of slender, cylindrical leaves that emerge from crisp white bulbous bases, growing 12-18 inches tall. The hollow, dark green foliage is sturdy and upright, maintaining its quality through harsh winter conditions better than most bunching onion varieties. What distinguishes Allium cepa 'Evergreen Hardy White' from other scallion varieties is its notably white lower stems and superior cold resistance, allowing for year-round harvests in many climates. The plants develop a mild, sweet onion flavor that intensifies slightly in cold weather, making them particularly valuable for winter cooking. Unlike storage onions, these plants are harvested for their tender green tops and white bottoms before significant bulb development occurs.

Native Range

Allium cepa is native to Central Asia, particularly the mountainous regions of modern-day Iran, Afghanistan, and surrounding areas, though the exact origin is debated due to the species' ancient cultivation history.

Suggested Uses

Allium cepa 'Evergreen Hardy White' works well in vegetable gardens, herb gardens, container plantings, and as an edible landscape plant. Excellent for year-round harvesting, winter cooking, fresh garnishes, soups, stir-fries, and anywhere mild onion flavor is desired. The white stems are particularly attractive for culinary presentation.

How to Identify

Allium cepa 'Evergreen Hardy White' can be identified by its distinctive bright white lower stems that remain pale even in cold weather, contrasting with the dark green hollow leaves above. The plants form dense clumps of narrow, cylindrical foliage that stands upright without lodging, and the white bases are notably thicker and more substantial than typical green onions. In winter, the foliage may develop purple-tinged tips while the white portions remain clean and crisp.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread6" - 8"

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Summer, second year if allowed to flower

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to pale pink

Foliage Description

Dark green with bright white bases

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-4 months

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Allium cepa 'Evergreen Hardy White' requires well-draining soil enriched with compost or aged manure for optimal growth. Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, reducing frequency during winter months when growth slows. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during active growing season, or side-dress with compost monthly. In colder regions, apply a light mulch around plants in late fall to protect roots while allowing foliage to emerge. Harvest regularly by cutting outer leaves 1-2 inches above soil level to encourage continued production.

Pruning

Allium cepa 'Evergreen Hardy White' requires regular harvesting rather than traditional pruning. Cut outer leaves when they reach 6-8 inches tall, leaving inner growth points intact for continuous production. Remove any flower stalks that appear to keep energy focused on leaf production. In late fall, trim damaged or yellowing foliage but leave healthy green growth for winter protection.

Pruning Schedule

fallwinter

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 2 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Allium cepa 'Evergreen Hardy White' is generally safe for human consumption but can be toxic to dogs and cats if consumed in large quantities, potentially causing gastrointestinal upset and anemia.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

direct sow

Indoor Start

8 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

early spring through fall

Days to Maturity

60–120 days

Plant Spacing

2 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes

peppers

carrots

lettuce

brassicas

herbs

Avoid Planting With

beans

peas

asparagus