Onion Spanish White ( Allium cepa ) is usually grown as an annual and are classed as ‘long day’ onions. Long day onions are varieties that require the most sunlight to reach maturity. On average, long day onions need 14-16 hours of daylight, which makes them more suitable for cool and temperate regions.
This variety is globe shaped and has a mild, slightly sweet flavour. Spanish Whites are one of the best varieties for salads because their flavour does not overtake other ingredients. They are also great for making onion rings and salsa. Harvest early for summer salads. Allium cepa are best stored in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for about a month. Onions have loads of health and medicinal properties.
Our other onion varieties include the California Red and the Gladalan Brown.
Growth
Onion Spanish White are grown as annuals and can grow up to 45 cm’s tall above the soil level. Germination to harvest time averages around 180-220 days.
Onions can be grown in containers / pots if the pot is large enough. Do not plant onions or other members of their family such as garlic, leek, chives in the same location as the season before to avoid any disease development.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Amaryllidaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Temperate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
13-35°C / 50-95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil should be loose and well-draining but kept moist. Nutrient rich soil / compost is where onions will thrive the most.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 45 cm’s (1.5 feet) above ground
WIDTH:
Up to 10 cm’s (4 inches)
pH:
5.5-6.8
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual. Can be grown as a biennial for seeding the following year.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Insects, Open Pollination
MATURITY:
Average 180-220 days
GERMINATION RATES:
92%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 13-22°C / 55-75°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 200
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) for 1-2 years.
FACTS ABOUT ALLIUM CEPA (Onion)
The most widely cultivated member of the Allium genus is the onion.
Onions have an inbuilt survival instinct that causes a release of gas during cutting. This gas is irritating to our eyes and triggers tears to flush out the irritant.
