Great question—there are a few terms you’ll see when shopping this page.

• Onion sets: Small, dormant onion bulbs grown the previous season and sold for replanting. They’re popular for quick, reliable starts.
• Transplants/starts: Young onion plants (leafy seedlings) ready to go into the garden.
• Seeds: Onion seed packets for starting from scratch—more variety, longer timeline.
• Topsets/bulbils: Tiny bulbs that form at the top of Egyptian walking onions; you plant these to grow new plants.
• Flowering allium bulbs: Ornamental “flowering onion” bulbs grown for bold, globe-shaped blooms.

Product pages usually note which type you’re looking at. If you’re unsure, check the description and photos or use pickup/delivery filters to see what’s available near you.

They serve different purposes in the garden.

• Onion sets: These are small, immature bulbs intended for replanting. Many gardeners choose sets because they typically establish faster than starting from seed, though results can vary with weather and soil conditions.
• Regular onions: These are mature bulbs grown for kitchen use, not for planting back. Planting grocery onions can be unpredictable compared with using sets, transplants, or seeds offered for planting.

On this page, you’ll find sets in assorted colors (like red, white, and yellow), plus specialty types such as Egyptian walking onion topsets. Check each item’s details to confirm whether it’s meant for planting or display.

Timing depends on your climate and the type you’re planting.

• Cold-winter areas: Many gardeners plant sets as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. This helps them root before summer heat arrives.
• Mild-winter areas: Fall planting is common. Sets and some perennial types (like Egyptian walking onions) can go in during cooler months, with light mulch for temperature swings.
• Ornamental alliums: These are typically planted in the cooler season so they can establish before blooming the following year.

Always check the product page for regional guidance and any package-specific instructions. Local day length, soil drainage, and forecasted cold snaps can influence the best planting window.

They’re fun and low-fuss. Here’s a simple approach:

1. Pick a sunny spot with well-drained soil or a raised bed.
2. Prep the soil: Loosen it and remove rocks so roots can spread.
3. Plant shallowly: Place topsets (bulbils) with the point up and cover lightly with soil. Gentle, even moisture helps them settle in.
4. Space for airflow: Give each topset adequate room per the package guidance to reduce crowding.
5. Mulch lightly to moderate soil temperature and conserve moisture.

Egyptian walking onions develop clusters at the top of their stalks; as those bend and touch soil, they can “walk” to new spots. Growth and spread vary with weather and care, so observe and adjust as needed.

Yes—container growing can work well with the right setup.

• Choose a pot with drainage and enough depth for roots. Wider containers allow more bulbs with proper spacing.
• Use a high-quality potting mix that drains well. Avoid heavy garden soil in pots.
• Plant with the point up and follow spacing on the package. Shallow planting is common for sets, but always follow item instructions.
• Sun and water: Place the container in a sunny spot and water consistently, keeping the mix moist but not soggy.
• Monitor conditions: Containers can dry out or heat up faster than ground beds, so adjust care as the season changes.

Check each product page for any container-specific tips.