In 2005 when I took the Master Gardener classes, they gave each student a couple of withered, sad-looking I’itoi onion bulbs. I was disappointed and thought, “there’s no way these will grow.”
I was wrong. That couple of I’itoi onions has multiplied into thousands of bulbs that have since been eaten, planted, and shared with many others.
I’itoi onions tolerate and thrive in the Sonoran Desert’s difficult growing conditions. I’itoi onions (pronounced “EE-EE-toy”) have a long history in the Sonoran Desert. According to legend, I’itoi – the creator of the O’odham people – called his people together and presented them with onions to plant and share. Learn how to grow I’itoi onions with these tips.

9 Tips for How to Grow I’itoi Onions

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more information.
1. Find bulbs to plant I’itoi Onions
Some years, it is hard to know where to buy I’itoi onions. They can be challenging to come by. On other years it’s easy to find them at the farmer’s market or other local sellers. Check Native Seeds Search, Crooked Sky Farm, and Vilardi Gardens; they may have them available for purchase.
If you’re having a hard time finding I’itoi onion bulbs to plant, ask other gardeners – they may have some to share.

2. Understand how I’itoi onions grow
I’itoi onions are a multiplier onion (allium cepa var. Aggregatum). The planted onion multiplies and is propagated by the division of bulbs.

One becomes 8 or 10, which, when planted, become more onions. You will be amazed at how quickly they multiply.



3. How to Grow I’itoi Onions? Plant I’itoi onions correctly

- In the low desert of Arizona, begin planting I’itoi onions with the monsoon moisture in August; continue planting through November.
- In cold winter areas, plant I’itoi onions in the spring.
- Plant each bulb about an inch deep, 6-8 inches apart. For square foot gardening plant 4 bulbs per square.
- I’itoi onions tolerate native soil well and do not require additional feeding. However, richer soil produces larger bulbs and shoots.
- I’itoi onions also tolerate dry conditions and will respond to monsoons and other rains with growth. Just as with amendments to the soil, regular watering produces larger bulbs and shoots.

4. Plant I’itoi onions as companion plants
Because I’itoi onions are easy to grow, it is simple to plant them throughout the garden. Onions are excellent companion plants for brassicas, beets, strawberries, and tomatoes.

Plant one bulb near the plant, and the I’itoi onions will grow, divide, and provide companion planting benefits. For more information on preventing pests organically, read this post.

5. Use all parts of the I’itoi onion as needed throughout the season

As green shoots develop, harvest as needed by trimming them off the onion. The greens have a mild flavor and work well in most recipes that call for chives. The onion will regrow new shoots.
Harvest individual bulbs as needed throughout the growing season. To use the bulb, wash and peel. The bulbs have a mild, peppery flavor similar to shallots. They are delicious sautéed and in recipes that call for shallots or onions.

6. Harvest I’itoi onions for storage at the right time
Harvest I’itoi onions for storing when the tops begin to die back, and the bulbs develop a papery skin. In the low desert of Arizona I’itoi onions are usually ready for harvest between May and July.

Pull up clumps of onions and allow them to cure for the most extended storage life. Onions may rot and mold if not cured and stored correctly.

7. Cure I’itoi onions before storing
How to cure I’itoi onions:

- Choose a shady location around 75-80°F. Provide a slight breeze with a fan if possible if it is indoors.
- Lay the onions out in a single layer on a rack or floor.
- Cure until the onion stems wither and the papery skins tighten around the onions.


8. Store cured I’itoi Onions Correctly

Store cured I’itoi onions in a dry, cool place. A great way to store onions is in mesh net bags (I use these mesh bags from Amazon) hung up in a cool closet. The onions must have good airflow, or they will get moldy.
Check stored onions regularly, and discard (or plant right away) soft or moldy onions.


9. Enjoy, save, and share I’itoi onions
Each time you harvest I’itoi onions, enjoy some, save some to plant, and share some with others.

If this post about how to grow I’itoi onions was helpful, please share it:



Victoria
Friday 20th of January 2023
Hi Angela, a question about Iโitoi onions, can they be kept in refrigerator until ready to plant in colder regions?
Angela Judd
Saturday 21st of January 2023
That should be fine.
Tricia Weber
Saturday 18th of June 2022
Hi Angela,
Native-Seeds-Search has I'itoi onions for sale on their website today if any are interested in buying them.
Best,
Tricia
Angela Judd
Saturday 18th of June 2022
Thanks for the heads up. I shared it on a couple of my social channels.
Raejean
Saturday 21st of May 2022
Hi Angela, So happy to have found another Arizona grower! Your videos are a huge help! One of your comments below say you will have some I'itoi Onions available for sale on your website when cured. Are they for sale yet, I cant find them.
Edward J. Bawolek
Friday 3rd of June 2022
@Angela Judd,
Hi Angela,
In April 2020 I was able to purchase some I'itoi onions from Crooked Sky Farms in Phoenix. Perhaps that will help your interested viewers.
Crooked Sky Farms Main: 623-363-7422 Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Location: 2615 S. 27th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85009
(I have no affiliation with Crooked Sky, BTW).
I enjoy your web site. It is especially relevant as I am in Chandler.
Best, Ed Bawolek
Angela Judd
Saturday 21st of May 2022
I had some to sell in previous years, but I don't currently have any for sale.
Rebecca
Thursday 19th of May 2022
In the Green Valley area (south of Tucson) I have been wondering where I can find the I'itoi onion starts. Do you have a reliable on-line nursery you buy them from or can you or any of your followers suggest somewhere to find them? It is May right now - when should I be looking to plant these outside? Should I consider the timing of planting as if they were shallots? Thanks for any info!
elen
Friday 29th of July 2022
@Rebecca, native seeds search sells them now.
Angela Judd
Saturday 21st of May 2022
Unfortunately, no I don't have a source. I like to plant mine out with the monsoons in August through October or November.
Rebecca
Tuesday 3rd of May 2022
Where can the planting bulbs be found? I would love to try them out - am in the Tucson area and I am trying to incorporate "local" veg & flowers in my garden.
Angela Judd
Tuesday 3rd of May 2022
They can be tough to find. Check local farmer's markets. Villardi Garden's here in the Phoenix Metro area has them occasionally. You could also check with Native Seed Search.