Allium sp. Tohono O'odham onion. These wildly popular and prolific multiplier onions resemble the wild onions harvested on I’itoi Mountain, also known as Baboquivari Mountain, by Tohono O'odham people. Botanical studies place the I’itoi onion among a very old line of clumping onions brought to the indigenous lands of the desert southwest by Jesuit missionaries in the late 17th century, concluding that the onion is not necessarily native to this area.

Today they are eagerly sought out by chefs for their mild shallot-like bulbs and slightly spicy greens. The peppery flavor pairs well with Southwestern cuisine. They are very easy to cultivate and in the low-desert will grow in response to both winter and summer rains.

In cooler regions their growth is in the summer. Rarely flowers and set seeds; propagate by division of the bulbs. When the greens dry down dig up the bulbs and divide. Enjoy some but be sure to save a few for your next planting. The name I'itoi signifies the Elder Brother, who is the creator deity in Tohono O'odham legends. From our Seed-Bank Collection.

Origin: high desert, 1968' elevation
Performs well in low desert
Packet size is approximately 10 bulbs.
Limit 3 packets.
PLEASE NOTE: Remove from packaging and plant as soon as possible after receiving! These are live onion bulbs that have been in storage; they are not likely to look plump and pretty but the bulbs are extremely resilient and will sprout even when they look quite dry and desiccated.

Onions and Garlic