Bianca Di Maggio

Family: Amaryllidaceae Vegetable

Sweet, delicately perfumed bulbs—Bianca Di Maggio—offer a crisp, juicy bite with a clean, mild onion character that lingers like fresh-cut green.

The small, flattened Cipollini-style shape develops a luminous pale skin and a tender, fine-grained texture that shines in quick, bright preparations and elevates gentle sauces. Grow this 70-day favorite for garden-to-plate charm: reliable sizing, smooth flavor, and a graceful, edible presence from harvest through storage.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Bulbing

Botanical illustration of Bianca Di Maggio

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bulbing
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Bianca Di Maggio stays sweet and mild, so you can eat it raw without that sharp, lingering bite—its crisp, juicy layers hold up under citrus vinaigrette. It also caramelizes cleanly and fast, making it a standout for cippolini plates and tender, perfume-forward pan sauces.

Best Uses

cippolini-style caramelization (fast sauté to keep them bright)
thin slicing raw in lemony vinaigrettes and shaved salads
quick pan-glazing or roasting until tender but not collapsy
gentle, bright sauces where you want perfume without harsh bite

Flavor Profile

sweet, delicately perfumed onion crisp, juicy bite mild, clean onion character with a fresh-cut green linger

Kitchen Pairings

balsamic vinegar lemon olive oil butter fresh thyme grilled chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent and treat powdery mildew on Bianca di Maggio (70-day) plants?

Powdery mildew often shows up as a white, floury coating on Bianca di Maggio leaves, especially when nights are cool and humidity stays high. Improve airflow with wider spacing and remove the most affected leaves early in the day, then spray a preventive fungicide option like potassium bicarbonate or a labeled sulfur product if temperatures are safe for the product label. Start treatments at the first white patches and repeat as directed until new growth is clean.

How often should I water Bianca di Maggio during the main growing phase for best growth?

During the main growth phase (after plants are established and before harvest), keep soil consistently evenly moist—aim for about 1 inch of water per week, split into 2–3 waterings if it’s hot or windy. Check moisture by pressing a finger 1–2 inches into the soil: if it feels dry at that depth, water deeply; if it stays moist, wait. Avoid soaking the crowns, which increases disease risk and can stall growth.

When is Bianca di Maggio ready to harvest, and how can I tell?

Harvest Bianca di Maggio at about 70 days when the crop reaches its mature size and the fruit/produce looks fully colored for the variety, with a firm (not rubbery) texture. For many home gardeners, the best indicator is that the plants stop rapidly enlarging and new growth slows—pick at that point to keep quality high. If you’re unsure, harvest one test piece: if it matches the expected size/color and tastes sweet/typical for the variety, harvest the rest within a day or two.