- Hardiness Zone: 3-9 Biennial Typically Grown As An Annual
Seed Depth: 1/4 inch
Seed Spacing: 4–6 inches
Row Spacing: 12–18 inches
Sunlight: Full sun
Days to Sprout: 7–14 days
Days to Maturity: 110–120 days
Growth Habit: Upright, bulb-forming biennial
Sunlight: Requires full sun, with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best bulb development.
Soil Type: Prefers loose, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Amend with compost or organic matter to ensure optimal growth.
When to Plant: Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost, or sow directly outdoors as soon as the soil is workable in early spring.
Direct Sowing: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 4–6 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart. Thin seedlings as needed.
Indoor Sowing: Start seeds in trays or pots and transplant when seedlings are 4–6 inches tall and outdoor temperatures are consistently above 50°F.
Succession Planting: Not typically needed, as onions are a single-season crop.
Watering: Water consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering as bulbs mature to prevent rot.
Fertilizing: Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer during early growth, then switch to a phosphorus- and potassium-rich fertilizer as bulbs develop.
Pruning: No pruning is needed, but remove weeds regularly to reduce competition for nutrients.
Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for onion maggots, thrips, and fungal diseases. Use crop rotation and organic treatments as necessary.
When to Harvest: Harvest when tops begin to yellow and fall over, typically 110–120 days after planting.
How to Harvest: Gently lift bulbs from the soil with a garden fork, allowing them to cure in a dry, shaded area for 2–3 weeks.
Seed Collection: Allow plants to flower in their second year for seed production. Collect seeds once flower heads dry.
Storing Seeds: Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Why You’ll Love It
Short Red Creole Onion is a southern heirloom prized for its ability to thrive in heat and produce bold, flavorful bulbs with excellent storage life. The flattened, reddish-purple bulbs are firm and richly colored, with a spicy kick that mellows when cooked. Ideal for slicing, sautéing, or caramelizing, this variety is a favorite in Creole and Cajun cuisine. Best suited for short-day growing regions, but also performs well in long-day zones with early planting.
Plant Characteristics
Height: 12–18 inches
Growth Habit: Upright greens with shallow, flattened bulb development
Bulb Type: Flat, firm red bulbs with deep purple skin and white flesh
Days to Maturity: 110–120 days
Hardiness: Biennial grown as an annual
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor: Spicy, zesty, and bold when raw; smooth and sweet when cooked
Culinary Uses: Perfect for sautéing, caramelizing, fresh slicing, grilling, and classic Creole dishes. Excellent in salsas, soups, and stews.
Companion Planting Tips
Good Companions: Carrots, lettuce, beets, and tomatoes
Avoid Planting Near: Peas and beans, which may stunt onion growth
Bonus Benefit: Excellent storage onion — cured bulbs keep for months in proper conditions
Common Issues and Solutions
Small Bulbs: Onions need full sun and loose, well-drained soil. Thin seedlings to allow room for bulb development
Downy Mildew: Ensure good airflow and avoid overhead watering
Bolting: Plant early in spring and keep soil evenly moist to avoid premature flowering
Seeds Per Packet
1g | Approximately 300 |
3g | Approximately 900 |
5g | Approximately 1,500 |
7g | Approximately 2,100 |
Why You’ll Love It
Short Red Creole Onion is a southern heirloom prized for its ability to thrive in heat and produce bold, flavorful bulbs with excellent storage life. The flattened, reddish-purple bulbs are firm and richly colored, with a spicy kick that mellows when cooked. Ideal for slicing, sautéing, or caramelizing, this variety is a favorite in Creole and Cajun cuisine. Best suited for short-day growing regions, but also performs well in long-day zones with early planting.
Plant Characteristics
Height: 12–18 inches
Growth Habit: Upright greens with shallow, flattened bulb development
Bulb Type: Flat, firm red bulbs with deep purple skin and white flesh
Days to Maturity: 110–120 days
Hardiness: Biennial grown as an annual
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor: Spicy, zesty, and bold when raw; smooth and sweet when cooked
Culinary Uses: Perfect for sautéing, caramelizing, fresh slicing, grilling, and classic Creole dishes. Excellent in salsas, soups, and stews.
Companion Planting Tips
Good Companions: Carrots, lettuce, beets, and tomatoes
Avoid Planting Near: Peas and beans, which may stunt onion growth
Bonus Benefit: Excellent storage onion — cured bulbs keep for months in proper conditions
Common Issues and Solutions
Small Bulbs: Onions need full sun and loose, well-drained soil. Thin seedlings to allow room for bulb development
Downy Mildew: Ensure good airflow and avoid overhead watering
Bolting: Plant early in spring and keep soil evenly moist to avoid premature flowering
Seeds Per Packet
1g | Approximately 300 |
3g | Approximately 900 |
5g | Approximately 1,500 |
7g | Approximately 2,100 |
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