For home gardeners in northern climates, long day onions are the ideal choice Their growth habits are optimized for the 14+ hours of daylight during summer in these regions Of all the long day onion types, red onions offer the most vibrant color and zesty flavor. Let’s explore some of the top long day red onion varieties for growing big, beautiful bulbs.
An Overview of Long Day Onions
Long day onion varieties need 14-16 hours of sunlight per day to trigger bulb formation. This makes them suitable for planting in the northern half of the U.S. and Canada. Regions south of 35° latitude lack the required daylight hours for proper long day onion growth.
Long day onions are typically planted in early spring and harvested in late summer or early fall Common long day types include yellow, white and red onions Reds provide a splash of color and more pungent flavor compared to whites or yellows.
Top Long Day Red Onion Varieties
Here are some excellent long day red onion cultivars to grow in your garden:
Red Wing
- Medium to large round red bulbs
- Sweet mild taste
- Stores well up to 5 months
- Resistant to pink root disease
Red Bull
- Uniform deep red medium-sized bulbs
- High yield potential
- Stores 3-4 months
- Good for southern zones as “intermediate day” onion
Red Baron
- Large 4-5 inch bulbs
- Deep red color
- Mildly pungent flavor
- Stores well up to 4 months
Cabernet
- Dark red glossy skin
- Sweet juicy flesh
- Stores well for 2-3 months
- Resists bolting and splitting
Red Comet
- Small to medium bulbs
- Beautiful glossy deep red color
- Medium pungency
- Stores up to 2 months
Rossa Lunga di Firenze
- Italian heirloom with elongated torpedo shape
- Mild sweet flavor
- Stores well for 2-3 months
- Prone to bolting in warmer zones
Red of Florence
- Italian heirloom dating back to 1865
- Large 4-6′′ bulbs
- Purplish-red skin and pink rings when sliced
- Sweet mild flavor
- Stores 2-3 months
Growing Conditions for Long Day Red Onions
Most long day onions do best in full sun and fertile soil that drains well. Before you plant, improve the soil by adding compost or old manure. Set onion sets 12 to 18 inches apart, 1-2 inches apart, in rows.
Make sure to water onion plants often to keep the soil moist, especially when the bulbs are growing. Applying mulch helps retain soil moisture. Side dress with nitrogen fertilizer once the bulbs start to swell up and again a few weeks after you move them.
Harvesting and Storing Long Day Red Onions
Onions should be harvested when about half of the plant has toppled over and the bulbs feel firm. Loosen the bulbs with a garden fork rather than pulling by hand to avoid damaging them.
Put onions that have been picked in a warm, dry place for one to two weeks before cutting off the roots and stems. Then, put the cured onions away in a cool, dark place with good air flow. With the right care, most long day reds will last for two to four months.
With their vivid color and tangy flavor, long day red onions make a delicious addition to any northern vegetable garden. Try growing a few of these top-rated varieties this season for big, beautiful bulbs!
Other Notable Long Day Red Onion Varieties
Here are a few other long day red onion cultivars that are worth considering:
- Red Zeppelin – Large, mild red bulbs good for slicing
- Red Mate – Uniform deep red bulbs, stores up to 5 months
- Red Candy Apple – Very sweet, almost candy-like flavor
- Red Burgermaster – Flattened shape good for burgers and sandwiches
- Burgundy – Heirloom dating back to 1885, mild taste
- Red Marble – Marbled interior coloring, stores well
- Red Creole – Spicy flavor good for Cajun cooking
- Red Express – Early maturing, small to medium bulbs
- Red Torpedo – Elongated Italian heirloom, mild and sweet
With so many excellent long day red onions to choose from, every gardener can find one or more varieties suited to their climate, cooking needs, and personal preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long Day Red Onions
What are the best storing long day red onion varieties?
Some of the best storing long day red onions include Red Wing, Red Mate, Red Bull, and Red Marble. Proper curing and storage conditions are also key to maximizing shelf life.
How long do long day red onions store?
Most long day red onions will store for 2-4 months if cured and stored properly in a cool, dry location with good air flow. Some varieties like Red Wing can store for up to 5 months.
Can you grow long day onions in the South?
Long-day onions shouldn’t be grown in the south because they need 14 hours of daylight to bulb properly. For southern gardens, short day or intermediate day onions are better.
When should you harvest long day red onions?
Long day red onions should be harvested when about half the tops have fallen over and the bulbs feel firm and well-sized. Avoid harvesting too early or the bulbs won’t reach full size.
Do long day red onions need to be cured before storage?
Yes, curing is essential for proper storage of long day red onions. Cure bulbs for 1-2 weeks in a warm, dry spot before trimming tops and roots and moving to storage.
With their captivating color and flavor, long day red onions bring a special charm to northern vegetable gardens. Try growing a few of these recommended varieties this season to add zest and beauty to your garden and cuisine.
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Heirloom onions are a resilient crop that may be grown in the fall and spring. This is a tasty root vegetable that grows almost anywhere and can be used in almost any dish. Homegrown onions are simple to cultivate, satisfying to harvest, and yield a bulb that can be stored for months if properly cured. Eden Brothers provides multiple heirloom onion varieties that are suitable for both your garden and table, whether you reside in hardiness zones 2 or 10.
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