Ishikura Bunching Onions in glass vases on a white background.
Ishikura Onions sliced on diagonal on rice dish.
Ishikura Onions sliced on wooden cutting board.
Ishikura Onions freshly pulled from garden.
Ishikura Onion cut showing all parts
Ishikura Onions being held fresh from garden.
Ishikura Bunching Onions in glass vases on a white background.
Ishikura Onions sliced on diagonal on rice dish.
Ishikura Onions sliced on wooden cutting board.
Ishikura Onions freshly pulled from garden.
Ishikura Onion cut showing all parts
Ishikura Onions being held fresh from garden.

Onion Seeds,
Ishikura Bunching

4.623 ReviewsSKU: #ON125Min. seed count: 300
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Description

(Allium fistulosum). A uniform and flavorful bunching onion, it is a popular and traditional Japanese variety for sukiyaki, soup, and salads. Ishikura reaches enormous proportions (to two feet tall, one inch across) while remaining tender and scallion-like, never forming a bulb. A perfect heat- and cold-tolerant green and a go-to choice to grow alongside Asian greens in the cool season! No garden should be without this easy-to-grow culinary staple!

Growing Tips: The Ishikura Bunching onion is a hardy Japanese heirloom variety that thrives in full sun. As all onions, it requires well-draining, rich, and fertile soil. Regular watering is also important to ensure tender stalks while adding mulch can help retain moisture and reduce weeds. Unlike bulb-forming onions, Ishikura grows as a bunching, non-bulbing type.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Allium fistulosum
Life Cycle
Perennial
Sun Requirement
6–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
40–50
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
4–6 in.
Ideal Temperature
45–80°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors three months before the last expected frost date in spring. Onions begin slowly, so this early start allows for adequate growth before transplanting. Transplant acclimated, stocky seedlings into the garden 4-6 weeks before the last frost of spring, as onions can tolerate light frosts. If you’re not sure how to find your area's day length or first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in rows or clusters, keeping the soil temperature at around 60 F. Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart, or plant more densely if harvesting as young scallions. Keep rows 12 inches apart for proper spacing.

How to Grow

Feed with a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks for the best growth. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Weed regularly to minimize competition, as bunching onions do not compete well with other plants. Harvest the green stalks as needed, cutting them at the base to encourage regrowth.

How to Save Seeds

  • Onions will cross with other onions, and occasionally they will cross with scallion types like Welsh onions and Hi Shi Ko bunching onions. Onions will never cross with leeks, chives or garlic.
  • If you are growing types that will cross, try to isolate varieties by at least several hundred feet or ideally up to one mile.
  • Onions are a biennial seed crop, so you will need to overwinter your first-year roots, ideally by digging them up and storing them for the winter. Replant in early spring, and allow onions to shoot up spikes of purple flowers.
  • Let seeds become dry on the plants. Pick seeds when they are hard and dark black, then bring them indoors to finish drying.
  • Once dry, separate the seeds from the husks or leave them on and plant them husks and all.

FAQ

Can Ishikura Bunching onions grow in containers?

Yes, they grow well in deep containers as long as the soil is nutrient-rich and moist.

How do I determine day length and first-last frost in my area?

Check out our blog post: Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources for links to online guides.

Are Ishikura Bunching onions perennial?

While typically grown as an annual, they can be managed as a perennial with proper care, as the stalks regrow after cutting.

How do I use Ishikura Bunching onions in cooking?

They are great for adding a fresh, mild onion flavor to soups, stir-fries, or as a garnish for dishes like ramen or miso soup.

Browse our full range of onion seeds.

Customer reviews

4.6 / 5 23 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Tall as a leek: Left in the ground they reach 2 to 3 feet tall.

  • Cut and come again: Trim the tops and they regrow for months of harvests.

  • Mild, sweet flavor: Sweet without a harsh bite, even at full size.

  • Takes heat and cold: Shrugs off 100 degree days and overwinters in the ground.

  • Thrives on neglect: Does well in beds, pots and poor spots with little care.

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