Multiplier Onions

aka Potato Onion, growing habit similar to shallots.  According to IFAS extension; multiplier onions can be planted anytime in Florida.  It seems that to find information on multiplier onions search under shallots.

YELLOW POTATO ONIONS
Potato onions are in the multiplier onion family, and once commanded an important and well-loved position in home gardens and commercial farms in the early 1900’s. The Potato Onion produces a mediumsized bulb 1” - 2” in diameter, which resembles a common storage onion, yet its long-term storage ability far exceeds any onion that we have seen. During the growing season, the sets you plant divide underground to form clusters or “nests” of as many as 5-9 onions. Some will be large for table and storage use and the small ones are your sets for next year! If you fall plant a number of the larger bulbs, you can enjoy the nicest early spring green onions the following year. We have planted both spring and fall with good results. Expect to harvest by mid-July. They store until your new crop!

 Multiplier Onions and Shallots do like rich/composted soil; and they do not like to be over-watered. Plant with the pointy end just above the ground.  Mark and heavily mulch. Onions like full sun, fertile and well
drained soils. The finest onions are grown in humus rich, sandy loam soils and will thrive with high organic matter. Nip any forming seed heads.  When the tops die back, turn yellow and drop over, it is time to harvest.

Regular onion sets don't grow up to be big onions in Florida; because the cool growth season isn't long enough.  Scallions, multiplier onions, shallots; these are our choices.  Probably walking onion also.

Curing and storing of potato onions should be like garlic:

Drying is the essential part of curing the bulbs so do not wash them in water. Immediately move the newly dug garlic out of direct sunlight. CURING: Some growers tie the plants by their leaves or stalks in loose bundles of 8-12 plants and hang them under cover. Others spread the plants in single layers on screens, drying racks, or slatted shelves. Garlic stores longer if its is cured with its stalk or leaves attached. Good air circulation is absolutely essential. The plants should cure from 3 weeks to 2 months, depending on the humidity and amount of air circulation. Some growers use a fan in the curing shed. After curing, you may trim the roots. If the garlic is to be kept in sacks, cut the stalks off 1/2-inch above the bulb and gently clean the bulbs with a soft bristle brush, taking care not to strip off the papery skin.  Source

I have some yellow multiplier onions I got from Territorial that I planted today.  Some are in a container, one in the NE front garden (full morning sun) some in the parking pad garden (full afternoon sun) and 2 in morning sun/dappled. All marked with bent over white/blue stripe straws.

The feed store is expecting vidalia onion sets; and while I know that without good ole georgia red clay; they won't be as sweet, and will only be small; I still think we should try some.