Onion Red Creole

Short Summary for Onion Red Creole

Onion Red Creole is a versatile, hardy onion variety known for its deep red color and robust flavor. This heat-tolerant onion thrives in warm climates, making it ideal for gardeners in the southern U.S. or similar regions. The Onion Red Creole offers a perfect balance of sweetness and pungency, making it a favorite for cooking, salsas, and fresh salads. With a relatively short growing season, it's well-suited for gardeners looking to grow onions for both storage and fresh use.

Planting Instructions for Onion Red Creole

General Sowing Time: Start Onion Red Creole seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date, or direct sow outdoors once the soil temperature reaches 10-15°C in early spring.

Position: Choose a sunny location with well-drained, loose soil that is rich in organic matter. Onion Red Creole prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-6.8).

Suitable Space: Ideal for raised beds, garden beds, or containers. Ensure the soil is loose enough for the bulb to form properly and avoid compacted or clay-heavy soil.

Sow Depth: Sow seeds 1 cm deep and lightly cover with soil. If transplanting, space onion sets 2-4 cm deep.

Spacing: Space onion plants 15-20 cm apart in rows that are about 30 cm apart to allow room for growth and airflow.

Height: Grows to about 30-45 cm tall, with bulbs reaching a diameter of 5-8 cm when mature.

Germination: Seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days when kept at an optimal temperature of 18°C-22°C.

Days to Harvest: Expect to harvest onions in about 100-120 days from sowing, depending on growing conditions.

Temperature: Onion Red Creole thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 18°C-28°C. It is particularly suited for hot climates, as it can withstand high temperatures during the growing season.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging. Water at the base of the plant to prevent leaf diseases.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost before planting, and side-dress with additional nitrogen-rich fertilizer once the bulbs start forming. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as it may encourage excessive leaf growth instead of bulb development.

Pests/Diseases: Onion Red Creole is susceptible to pests such as onion flies and aphids, as well as fungal diseases like downy mildew. Use crop rotation and row covers to protect from pests and diseases. Also, ensure good soil drainage and avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal risk.

By following these planting instructions, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of Onion Red Creole with its bold, flavorful bulbs perfect for fresh use or long-term storage.