When it comes to onions, there are always plenty of options for the avid gardener. Whether you live in a warmer climate or a location with colder seasons, there is a variety of onion that will thrive in your vegetable garden. From the classic white bulb onion to the sweet and tender Omelchenko variety, there are onions suited for every taste.
For those who enjoy the strong taste of onions and want to use them primarily for culinary purposes, the Sturon and Crystal varieties are a good choice. These onions have a firm flesh and are well-suited for cooking. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder taste, the Patterson and Giant Exhibition onions are ideal.
If you enjoy eating scallions or want a fast-growing crop, the White Lisbon and Evergreen White Bunching onions are popular choices. These varieties can be harvested early, and their green tops are perfect for adding a fresh flavor to your kitchen dishes.
When choosing onion varieties for your vegetable garden, it’s also important to consider your climate and growing season. Some onions, like the Julia and Red Burgermaster, are better suited for colder climates and will yield better results when sown in early spring. On the other hand, the Red Baron and Texas Grano varieties are ideal for warmer regions and can be sown in multiple sowings throughout the year to ensure a continuous harvest.
No matter your preferences or growing conditions, there are onion varieties that will thrive in your vegetable garden. By knowing what each type of onion tastes like and understanding their growth requirements, you can ensure a bountiful crop that will be enjoyed in your kitchen and homes for months to come.
So take a look through onion catalogs and choose the best varieties for your garden. With a little time and effort, you’ll be rewarded with an abundance of delicious onions that are perfect for a wide range of culinary dishes.
7 of the best types of onions to grow
Growing onions in your vegetable garden can be a rewarding experience. Onions are one of the most popular vegetables in the kitchen, adding flavor to a wide variety of dishes. Whether you want green onions for a fresh taste or a mature bulb for cooking, there are many different types of onions to choose from. Here are seven of the best varieties to consider:
- Sturon: This variety produces large, round bulbs with a sweet and mild flavor. Sturon onions are well-suited for long-term storage and can be enjoyed for several months after they mature. They are ideal for both home gardeners and commercial growers.
- Patterson: Known for its white flesh and high yield, the Patterson onion is a favorite among both home gardeners and professional chefs. It has a medium-size bulb and a mild taste, making it versatile in a variety of culinary dishes.
- Crystal White: If you prefer a milder taste, Crystal White onions are a great choice. These onions have a crisp and sweet flavor that works well in salads and sandwiches. They are also known for their beautiful white color and can be easily grown in your garden.
- Julia: If you’re looking for a variety that produces large onions, Julia is an ideal choice. These giant onions can reach up to a pound in weight and have a strong flavor that adds a kick to your dishes. They are perfect for growing in warmer zones and can be stored for several months.
- Bunching onions: Bunching onions, also known as scallions or green onions, are a popular choice for gardeners who want a continuous crop. These onions can be harvested when they are still young and tender, providing a fresh and mild taste. They are great for adding a pop of green to your dishes.
- Giant Roca: As the name suggests, this variety of onion produces giant bulbs. Giant Roca onions have a strong, bold flavor that intensifies when cooked. They are well-suited for long-term storage and can be enjoyed for up to a year.
- Omelenko: If you’re a fan of sweet onions, Omelenko is the variety for you. These onions have a high sugar content and a mild flavor that makes them perfect for caramelizing or eating raw. They can be grown in a variety of climates and are well-suited for home gardens.
When choosing the best types of onions to grow, it’s important to consider your location and growing preferences. Some varieties are better suited for colder climates, while others thrive in warmer zones. Knowing the characteristics of each variety will help you make an informed decision.
In terms of growth, onions can be grown from seeds, sets, or transplants. Sets are small bulbs that are typically grown from seed and provide a quicker harvest. When sowing onions from seeds, it’s best to start them indoors in early spring and transplant them outdoors once the soil has warmed up.
Onions are an easy vegetable to grow and can be enjoyed for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, try growing different types of onions to find your favorite variety. From the popular Sturon to the sweet Omelenko, there are onions to suit every taste and season.
1 Patterson
Patterson is a well-known and popular variety of onion that is often grown in vegetable gardens. It produces large, round bulbs that are a beautiful deep red color. Patterson onions are fast-growing and can be harvested in as little as 90 days from sowing, making them an ideal choice for gardeners who want a relatively quick crop.
One of the best things about Patterson onions is their versatility. They can be eaten raw or cooked and have a mild, sweet taste. This makes them perfect for adding flavor to salads, soups, and other culinary dishes.
Patterson onions are also well-suited to a wide range of climates and can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. They are known for their ability to withstand colder temperatures, making them a popular choice for gardeners in cooler climates.
When choosing a location to plant your Patterson onions, it is important to consider their preferences. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. It’s also a good idea to rotate their planting location every few years to prevent the buildup of diseases.
Patterson onions can be grown from sets or from seeds. Sets are small bulbs that can be planted directly into the ground, while seeds can be started indoors and later transplanted. Both methods can be successful, so it really comes down to personal preference and what works best for you.
Overall, Patterson onions are a great choice for any home gardener. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting out, these onions are easy to grow and will provide you with a bountiful crop. Their sweet taste and versatility in the kitchen make them a favorite among many gardeners. So why not give Patterson onions a try in your garden this year?
2 Kelsae Sweet Giant
The Kelsae Sweet Giant is often described as the largest and sweetest onion variety available. Its size and taste make it a popular choice among onion lovers.
In terms of preferences and location, the Kelsae Sweet Giant variety is similar to the Sturon variety. It is best suited for growing in areas where the crop can mature slowly, such as the cooler regions of the northern United States or the United Kingdom.
The Kelsae Sweet Giant is an ideal variety for those who are looking to grow onions with a larger bulb size. It produces large sets that can yield impressive onion bulbs. This makes it a great choice for those who want to grow onions for their homes or for selling at local markets.
In terms of taste and appearance, the Kelsae Sweet Giant is known for its mild and sweet flavor. The flesh of the onion is white and rather juicy, making it a great addition to any kitchen. This variety is best enjoyed when the onions are fully matured and the flesh has developed its full flavor.
When it comes to growing the Kelsae Sweet Giant, it is always best to know what you are doing. While it is a fast-growing variety, it is important to take care not to overwater the plants as this can lead to rotting. Knowing when and how to sow the seeds, as well as proper care throughout the growth season, will ensure a successful crop.
The Kelsae Sweet Giant is a variety that is well suited for warmer climates. It can be grown from sets or from seeds, making it a versatile choice for different types of gardeners. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out, the Kelsae Sweet Giant is a variety that can be worked with.
Overall, the Kelsae Sweet Giant is a highly prized onion variety that many have grown and enjoyed. Whether you are looking for a good cooking onion or a larger bulb for storage, this variety is a great choice. With its wonderful taste and impressive yield, the Kelsae Sweet Giant is a top pick for any vegetable garden.
3 Sturon
The Sturon onion is a popular white variety that is commonly grown in vegetable gardens. It is a fast-growing onion that should be sown between February and April, depending on the location and climate. Sturon onions are known for their excellent storage properties and are a favorite among gardeners and culinary enthusiasts.
The Sturon onion is a hybrid variety, a cross between the Stuttgarter Giant and the Elstar. It produces large, round bulbs with white flesh. The taste of Sturon onions is described as sweet and mild, making them ideal for a variety of culinary uses.
Sturon onions are well-suited to warmer climates and can be grown in zones 3 to 9. They are particularly popular in the UK, where they have been grown for many years and are enjoyed by home gardeners and professional chefs alike.
One of the main advantages of Sturon onions is their long storage life. They can be stored for up to 6-8 months, making them an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy onions all year round. Sturon onions can be harvested when the tops start to dry and fall over. They should then be left to mature in a warm, dry location for a few weeks before being used or stored.
When choosing Sturon onion sets, look for firm, healthy bulbs with no signs of disease or damage. They can be purchased from garden centers or online seed catalogs. Sturon onions are also fairly easy to grow from seed, but they will take longer to mature compared to sets.
Sturon onions are a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different dishes. They can be enjoyed raw in salads or sandwiches, cooked in soups and stews, or caramelized for a sweet and savory flavor. The green tops of Sturon onions can also be used as a garnish or in recipes that call for green onions.
Overall, Sturon onions are a reliable and popular variety that is well-suited to a range of climates and growing conditions. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Sturon onions are a great choice for your vegetable garden.
4 Crystal White Wax
The Crystal White Wax onion is a variety that is well-suited for growing in vegetable gardens. It is a fast-growing variety that produces a high yield of sweet onions.
This variety is always grown from sets, which are small bulbs that have been grown the previous year and are ready to be planted. Crystal White Wax onions are described as being a good culinary variety, with a sweet taste that is enjoyed by many.
Crystal White Wax onions have a white flesh and green tops. They are typically mature and ready to be harvested in about 3-4 months after planting. This variety of onion is popular among home gardeners because it is relatively easy to grow and produces a bountiful crop.
The Crystal White Wax onion is a good choice for gardeners in warmer zones, as it is well-suited to growing in these locations. It is also a good choice for gardeners who want to grow scallions, as this variety can be harvested at an earlier stage for use as green onions.
When choosing Crystal White Wax onion sets, it is important to select bulbs that are firm and free from any signs of damage or disease. Sets that are larger in size will typically produce larger onions at harvest time.
Gardeners can sow Crystal White Wax onion sets directly into the ground, spacing them between 4-6 inches apart. This variety can also be grown in containers or raised beds if space is limited.
Crystal White Wax onion sets should be planted in a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. It is important to keep the area around the onions weed-free and to provide regular watering throughout the growing season.
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Crystal White Wax | A fast-growing variety that produces a high yield of sweet onions. Well-suited for growing in warmer zones and can be harvested at an earlier stage for use as scallions. |
In conclusion, Crystal White Wax onions are a popular variety for home gardeners. They are easy to grow, have a sweet taste, and produce a large crop. Whether you want to grow them for their giant bulbs or as scallions, this variety is a good choice. Check gardening catalogs for availability and start planning your onion sowings well in advance!
5 Walla Walla Sweet
- Mature: Walla Walla Sweet onions typically mature in about 90 to 100 days after sowing.
- Well-loved: These sweet and mild onions are widely enjoyed for their delicious flavor.
- Popular variety: The Walla Walla Sweet onion is a popular variety grown in the Walla Walla Valley in Washington State.
- Origin: This variety was developed by a French soldier named Peter Pierre in the late 1800s.
- Ideal conditions: Walla Walla Sweet onions grow well in areas with mild climates and long, warm summers.
- Culinary uses: These onions are perfect for raw consumption, such as in salads or on sandwiches. They can also be used in soups, stews, and other cooked dishes.
- Bulb shape and size: The bulbs of Walla Walla Sweet onions are round to slightly flattened, and they can reach a good size – often up to 2 pounds (900 grams) each.
- Days to maturity: It takes approximately 100 days for Walla Walla Sweet onions to reach maturity.
- Taste: Walla Walla Sweet onions are known for their exceptionally sweet and mild flavor.
- Growing season: These onions are typically planted in the springtime and harvested in the summer months.
- Well-suited for: Walla Walla Sweet onions are well-suited for gardeners in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 7, where the climate is warmer.
- Harvest time: Walla Walla Sweet onions are ready for harvest when the tops turn yellow and start to fall over.
- Storage: Once harvested, they should be cured in a dry location for a few weeks before being stored in a cool, dry place. Properly stored Walla Walla Sweet onions can be enjoyed for several weeks or even months.
- Planting: Plant the seedlings or sets about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep and 4 inches (10 cm) apart. They should be spaced approximately 12 inches (30 cm) apart in rows.
- Seedling or sets: Walla Walla Sweet onions can be started from seed, but it is more common to use sets – which are small, immature onion bulbs.
- Growth habit: Walla Walla Sweet onions have a fast-growing growth habit, which makes them a preferred choice for many gardeners.
- Other varieties: If you are looking for other types of onions, there are seven main varieties to consider: Crystal White, Patterson, Sturon, Omelchenko, Evergreen, Bunching onions, and Overwintering onions.
6 Red Creole
- Culinary onion variety
- Giant-sized bulbs
- Popular choice among gardeners
- High yield
- Described as having a strong, robust taste
- Drew its name and description from the red color of its bulb
- Can either be used as scallions or mature bulbs
The Red Creole onion is widely available in seed catalogs and is a favorite of many gardeners. It is a popular choice due to its excellent yield and versatile use in the kitchen. The red color of its bulb, along with its robust taste, make it a great addition to many culinary dishes. Whether you want to enjoy it green as scallions or wait for the bulbs to mature, Red Creole is a reliable choice.
For best results, Red Creole onions should be sown in early spring or late summer. They can be grown in a variety of climates and do well in zones 3-9. These onions are fast-growing and will mature in approximately 90 days. They work well in both warmer and cooler climates.
In terms of taste, Red Creole onions have a slightly sweet flavor that is enjoyed by many. They have a firm flesh and are ideal for salads, soups, and stews. When choosing between different onion varieties, Red Creole is always a good option for those who prefer a sweeter taste.
In the vegetable garden, Red Creole onions are known for their good growth and high yield. They produce large bulbs that will keep well in storage. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Red Creole is an excellent choice for growing onions at home.
7 White Lisbon
White Lisbon onions, also known as scallions or bunching onions, are a popular variety for both home gardeners and commercial growers. They are fast-growing and easy to care for, making them an ideal choice for beginners or those with limited gardening experience.
The White Lisbon onion sets have green tops that are often used in culinary dishes. They have a sweet and mild flavor when eaten raw, and their delicate flavor is perfect for adding a subtle onion taste to salads, soups, and other dishes.
White Lisbon onions are well-suited for growing in a variety of climates and can be grown in both cooler and warmer zones. They can be sown in sets or from seeds, depending on your preferences and the availability of onion sets in your area.
For the best results, White Lisbon onions should be sown in well-drained soil in a sunny location. They prefer a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0 and will mature in approximately 60-80 days.
One of the advantages of White Lisbon onions is that they can be harvested at any stage of growth. If you want smaller, green onions, you can harvest them after just a few weeks. If you prefer larger, mature bulbs, you can leave them in the ground for several months.
White Lisbon onions are known for their high yield and exceptional storage qualities. They can be stored for up to several months in a cool, dry location. This makes them an excellent choice for gardeners who want to enjoy fresh onions throughout the year.
In terms of taste and culinary uses, White Lisbon onions are often described as having a milder and sweeter flavor compared to other types of onions. They are often used in Asian and Mediterranean cuisine and pair well with a variety of vegetables and other ingredients.
In summary, White Lisbon onions are an excellent choice for any gardener who wants a reliable and versatile onion crop. Whether you want to enjoy them as small, tender green onions or as mature bulbs, White Lisbon onions will always deliver a good yield and a delicious addition to your kitchen.
How should I choose between the many types of onion?
When it comes to choosing between the many types of onion, there are several factors to consider. The first thing to take into account is your personal preferences and taste. Different varieties of onions have distinct flavors and culinary uses, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for in terms of taste.
Some onions, like the popular Sturon and Crystal varieties, are well-suited for cooking and can be used in a variety of dishes. Others, such as the sweet and mild Walla Walla and Vidalia onions, are ideal for eating raw in salads or sandwiches.
Another important consideration is the growing season and climate in your location. Onions are generally cool-weather crops and take about four to five months to mature. If you live in a warmer climate, you should choose varieties that are suited to your region, like the Red Wethersfield or Patterson varieties.
The size of the bulb is also a factor to consider. While smaller onions, like scallions or green onions, are harvested at an early stage and can be enjoyed in the kitchen after just a few weeks, larger bulbs take longer to mature and yield a larger crop. Giant varieties, such as the Ailsa Craig or the Kelsae, can produce onions weighing up to five pounds each.
Additionally, some varieties can be grown from sets, which are small, immature onion bulbs. These are easy and convenient to plant, but they may not yield as well as onions grown from seed. If you are a novice gardener or have limited space, sets may be a good option for you.
It’s always a good idea to consult seed catalogs or gardening experts in your area for advice on the best onion variety for your specific needs. They can offer valuable insights and recommendations based on your climate, soil conditions, and culinary preferences.
In conclusion, when choosing between the many types of onions, it’s important to consider your taste preferences, the growing season, and climate in your location, as well as the desired bulb size and method of planting. By knowing what you’re looking for, you can ensure that you select the best variety of onion to suit your culinary needs.
What are short day onion and long day onion varieties
In terms of growing seasons, onions can be divided into two main categories: short day varieties and long day varieties. These terms refer to the amount of daylight required for the onions to form bulbs. Understanding the difference between short day and long day onions is crucial for successful onion cultivation in different regions.
Short day onion varieties
Short day onion varieties mature faster and are well-suited for cultivation in regions closer to the equator, where the days are shorter. These onions require about 10-12 hours of daylight to produce bulbs. Short day onions are generally sweeter and have a milder taste compared to long day varieties.
Short day onion varieties are commonly grown in Southern states of the United States, such as Texas, Florida, and California. Some popular short day onion varieties include:
- Crystal White Wax
- Sturon
Short day onions are also ideal for home gardens and for those who prefer smaller-sized onions for their cooking needs. They are often used in salads, salsas, and as garnishes due to their mild flavor.
Long day onion varieties
Long day onion varieties, on the other hand, require around 14-16 hours of daylight to form bulbs. These varieties are best suited for cultivation in regions with longer daylight hours and cooler climates. Long day onions have a more pungent taste compared to short day varieties.
Long day onions are popular in Northern states of the United States, as well as in Canada. Some well-known long day onion varieties include:
- Giant Red
- Julia
Long day onions are known for their larger bulb sizes and are often used in culinary dishes that require stronger onion flavors. They are great for sautéing, caramelizing, and adding depth to soups, stews, and other cooked dishes.
When choosing onion varieties for your vegetable garden, it is important to consider your climate and daylight hours. Short day onions will typically perform better in warmer climates with shorter daylight hours, while long day onions are better suited for cooler climates with longer daylight hours. Knowing the difference between short day and long day onions will help you select the best varieties for your growing season.