DESCRIPTION
Other Common Names: Bawang besar, japanese onion, bawang bombay, hom yao, piyaz, rata lunu, sibuyas, tama negi, tsung tau, or yang cong.
How to Grow Shonan Red Onion
In short growing season areas, pre-germinate the seeds in flats or trays indoors. Break up the soil with a trowel before sowing. Sow seeds in late summer to early fall. Transplant seedlings in early fall or no later than mid-fall. Water the seeds well and keep the soil moist, especially during germination.
Mulch the area with straw to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Young onions are very prone to be crowded out; pull weeds promptly. Fertilize as needed. As harvest time nears, the foliage will turn yellow or brown and may fall over. At the first sign of yellowing, reduce the quantity of water. For full-maturity onions, allow most of the leaves to fall before harvesting.
Harvesting Shonan Red Onion
Pull the onions when their skins have developed and the tops have fallen over (late spring). Allow the onions to dry in the open air for a few days. Cut off their tops and roots, then air dry for 2-3 more days; this will help to seal the onion and avoid spoiling. Many gardeners harvest onions at any stage before full maturity as well.
Culinary Tips
We recommend making a delicious sweet and sour cucumber salad with thinly sliced cucumber and red onion marinated in vinegar, sugar, salt, and dried chili flakes. Use these onions in recipes where other onions or shallots are used.
Seeds Per Package
- 2 g packet - Approximately 600 Seeds
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
| Latin Name: |
Allium cepa
|
| Shonan Red Onion Color: |
Red |
| Shonan Red Onion Flavor: |
Sweet with a mild kick. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: |
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Technically a tender perennial, but almost always grown as an annual, unless specifically grown for seed. |
| Days to Maturity: |
160 |
| Days to Germination: |
7-10 |
| Seeding Depth: |
0.25 inch |
| Plant Spacing: |
3-6 inches |
| Row Spacing: |
12-15 inches |
| Plant Height: |
18-24 inches |
| Growth Habit: |
Bunching - Bunching Onions are tender perennials that do not form a bulb and are commonly grown for the green stems used in a variety of culinary applications. Bulbing - Bulbing onions are growing for the bulb or globe they produce. |
| Soil Preference: |
Loose, well-draining soil with ample compost. |
| Temperature Preference: |
Cooler |
| Light Preference: |
Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: |
Yes |
| Start Indoors: |
Yes Start Indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost date. |
| Onion Day Length: |
Intermediate Day - Indeterminate Day Onions (also called 'Day Neutral') are well adapted and will bulb regardless of the length of daylight, and will grow well in most regions of the USA. However not the best choice in most northern latitudes where winters are very hard. |
| Plant Width: |
|
| Growth Speed: |
Late - Ready for harvest around 101 days or more from direct sowing to harvesting. |
| Germination Temperature: |
66-70 F |
| Pests and Diseases: |
Thrips and other common garden pests can be problematic. Monitor foliage well and quickly respond with even coats of insecticidal soap at 3-day intervals at signs of pests. |
| Garden Size: |
Greenhouse, Garden Plot, and Raised Beds |
| Onion Use: |
Cooking |
