Spring Onion Ishikura Long White [Allium fistousosum]

The perennial spring onion 'Ishikura' is a similarly robust type of onion to the winter hedge onion. Versatile with rapid development and finer leaves. Very aromatic and slightly spicy taste. Ideal for direct sowing and pre-cultivation, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer-autumn, good for mixed culture, harvesting the leaves.

 Description 
The Japanese spring onion 'Ishikura' is a perennial vegetable and medicinal plant from the onion family with its origins in Japan. The robust, hardy and versatile plant develops only one small bulb and forms long, white and cylindrical stems with fresh green and upright leaves. The taste is very aromatic and slightly spicy. Suitable for year-round cultivation and for growing in pots.

 General information 
Plant family: Alliaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 90 days
Plant height approx.: 60 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -20°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 5.5 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1-2 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 13-18 °C
Germination time: 14-21 days
Plant and row spacing: 20x20 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Endive, Strawberry, Camomile, Carrot, Parsley, Lettuce, Celery, Salsify, Tomato
Unfavorable mixed culture: Bean, Pea, Kale, Beetroot, Chives, Onion, Garlic

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend direct sowing or pre-cultivation from January to April or in autumn from September to November. The plants should ideally be placed in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
We recommend direct sowing or pre-cultivation from March to July. The plants should ideally be placed in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
We recommend direct sowing in rows or pre-cultivation in small bowls or directly in growing trays. For pre-cultivation, sow the seeds in a small bowl and let the seedlings grow to a height of around 20cm and stable stems. To stimulate growth, then place the plants with the bulb at the same height and shorten them by 1/3 at the roots and leaf tips shortly before planting. Then plant directly at the specified planting distance. Or sow around 5 seeds together directly in small pots or growing trays and plant them directly in the prepared bed once the root ball has sufficiently developed.
Spring onion 'Ishikura' prefers a permeable, nutrient-rich, moist and humus-rich loamy soil. Also thrives in sandy loam soils. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
For a longer harvest time, care should be taken not to damage the heart during harvesting. This variety thrives reliably in almost any climate. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or root division.

 Plant care 
It is recommended to divide the clumps every two years to give the plants new growth. Because the plants initially grow slowly, weeding the surrounding herbs is recommended. Loosened, nutrient-rich and moist soil is basically sufficient. Fertilizing is recommended twice a year at intervals of six months.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Allium fistulosum
English names: Spring onion
German names: Frühlingszwiebel
Portuguese names: Cebolinha
Spanish names: Cebolleta
French names: Oignon de printemps

 Origin 
Country: Portugal