Fresh flavors, versatility, long storage, and nutrition.

It is already time for me to get started on ordering seeds for my summer garden. I just realized I need to order onion seeds this year, so I am going to take care of that this week. I have a little time since the middle of March is the time to start onions seeds indoors if you live in Minnesota – Zone 4b like I do.

Short-day onions thrive in southern regions with 10-12 hours of daylight, maturing quickly with a mild, sweet flavor. Long-day onions, ideal for northern regions with 14+ hours of daylight, grow larger and store longer, offering robust flavors. Your choice depends on your climate and culinary needs.

Long day onions thrive in northern regions where daylight extends to 14+ hours. They’re preferred for their large size and superior storage capabilities. Growing long day onions ensures a bountiful harvest of crisp, flavorful bulbs that can be enjoyed well into the winter months. These onions, like the popular Walla Walla Sweet and Red Wing varieties, boast a range of flavors from sweet to pungent, adding depth to any dish.

To harvest, watch for the tops of the onions to naturally fall over and the foliage to turn brown. Carefully loosen the soil around the bulbs and gently pull them out. Cure them in a warm, dry place for two to three weeks to toughen their skins for storage. Properly cured, long day onions can last for several months, providing fresh taste and nutrition long after the growing season ends.

Long Day Onions – Northern Gardening

As a Northern Gardener, I will be ordering Long Day Onion varieties.  It is important to get Long Days if you are in the Northern U.S. like me. Short Days will not produce as well and are better suited to the Southern U.S. This year I am going to grow a mix of Red, Yellow and White Long Day Onions.

Top Producing Long Day Onion Varieties

These varieties are great for gardens in northern regions with 14+ daylight hours.

Red Onion Varieties

1. Red Wing: Medium to large round bulbs with a sweet, mild taste. Stores well for up to 5 months.
2. Red Bull: Uniform deep red medium-sized bulbs with high yield potential. Stores for 3-4 months.
3. Red Baron: Large 4-5 inch bulbs with a mildly pungent flavor. Stores well for up to 4 months.
4. Cabernet: Dark red glossy skin with sweet, juicy flesh. Stores for 2-3 months.
5. Red Comet: Small to medium bulbs with a beautiful glossy deep red color. Medium pungency and stores up to 2 months.
6. Rossa Lunga di Firenze: Italian heirloom with elongated torpedo shape and a mild sweet flavor. Stores well for 2-3 months.
7. Red of Florence: Large 4-6 inch bulbs with purplish-red skin and pink rings when sliced. Sweet mild flavor and stores for 2-3 months.

Yellow and White Onion Varieties

1. Ailsa Craig: Large round bulbs with a mild flavor.
2. Walla Walla Sweet: Large, mild-flavored yellow onions.
3. Yellow Granex: Also known as “Texas Sweet,” these are large, sweet onions.
4. White Grano: A versatile white onion variety.

These varieties are well-suited for northern climates and can produce high yields with proper care.

Soil Preparation

1. Choose the Right Spot: Select a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
2. Test the Soil: Ensure the soil pH is between 6.0 and 6.8 for optimal growth.
3. Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Remove any rocks or debris.
4. Add Organic Matter: Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and structure.
5. Amend the Soil: If needed, add a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) to provide essential nutrients.

Sowing Seeds

1. Start Seeds Indoors: Begin 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date. Fill seed trays with seed-starting mix.
2. Sow Seeds: Plant seeds ¼ inch deep and ½ inch apart. Gently water and cover with plastic wrap to retain moisture.
3. Germinate Seeds: Place trays in a warm location (70-75°F). Once seeds sprout, move them to a sunny spot or under grow lights.
4. Thin Seedlings: When seedlings reach 2 inches tall, thin them to 1-2 inches apart.

Transplanting Outdoors

1. Harden Off Seedlings: Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days.
2. Prepare Garden Bed: Create rows 12-18 inches apart. Space seedlings 4-6 inches apart in rows.
3. Plant Seedlings: Transplant seedlings into the garden, burying them up to the first set of leaves. Water well.

Growing and Care

1. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Onions need about 1 inch of water per week.
2. Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
3. Fertilizing: Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every few weeks.

Harvesting

1. Watch for Signs: When tops fall over and turn brown, it’s time to harvest.
2. Harvest: Carefully dig up onions and let them dry in a warm, dry place for 2-3 weeks.
3. Cure for Storage: Once cured, trim the tops and store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.

Cooking With Onion