The bulb contains several small shoots, each of which produces a moderately-sized bulb by fall. Each clump of onions is then dug and can be used fresh, or stored, or replanted the following spring. The Tree or Egyptian onion, Allium cepa, Proliferum Group, produces small bulblets or sets where flowers are normally produced in common onions. Gather the bulblets as they mature and plant immediately or store until early fall. If planted in the early fall and allowed to overwinter in the garden, the bulbs begin growth early in spring and can be pulled for an early supply of green onions.
Most strains are quite winter hardy.
Shallot The Shallot, Allium cepa , Aggregatum Group, differs from the common onion in that its bulb divides into multiple sections as garlic does. Since shallots seldom form seed, they are propagated by individual divisions of the bulb. The plant is hardy in most areas, but best results are obtained if the clusters of bulbs are lifted at the end of the growing season, stored, and replanted next season. Shallot bulbs are more delicate in flavor than most onions. Most shallots are used as green onions since the mature bulbs are small.