Candy

Family: Amaryllidaceae Vegetable

Honey-sweet and richly aromatic, Candy sweet onion forms large, globe-topped bulbs with a tender, juicy bite and a crisp, fine-grained texture.

Its mild flavor shines in fresh preparations, while its caramelizing sweetness makes it a standout for roasting and for turning into silky, golden sauces. Grow Candy for a harvest that feels as lush as it tastes—bulbs that store with confidence and reward the season’s patience.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 100 DaysHabit: Bulbing

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 18th
Harvest Begins	Jul 27th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	100
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)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Candy sweet onions lean mild and juicy, so they eat clean and crisp raw—no harsh bite, just a honeyed snap. When cooked, they collapse into a glossy caramel that lends body and sweetness to sauces and roasts without tasting stewed or watery.

Best Uses

raw slicing for salads where you want a crisp, non-pungent bite
slow-roasting until jammy at the edges
pan-caramelizing for a silky, golden topping
blending into a smooth, sweet onion sauce or French-onion style base

Flavor Profile

honey-sweet aromatics tender juicy crunch mild but clearly oniony bite caramelizing sweetness that turns glossy and mellow

Kitchen Pairings

butter aged balsamic vinegar thyme provolone gruyère chicken stock

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common problems on Allium cepa (bulb onion) and how do I treat them?

Onions (Allium cepa) commonly suffer from downy mildew and purple blotch, which show as gray/white patches or dark lesions on leaves. Remove and destroy infected foliage, avoid wetting the leaves, and improve airflow by spacing plants properly. If the problem is spreading, apply a labeled fungicide that’s approved for onions and follow label intervals closely.

How often should I water Allium cepa during bulbing (main growing phase)?

During bulbing, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—typically about 1 inch of water per week, adjusted for heat and soil type. Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, then let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry slightly to prevent bulb rot. Stop regular watering as the tops begin to yellow and fall over, so the necks can dry for better storage.

How can I tell when Allium cepa bulbs are ready to harvest?

Harvest when about 50–75% of the onion tops have fallen over and the necks feel dry and tight. Bulbs should have formed papery skins; if you gently brush back soil, you should see full bulb size with no green, immature look. Lift with a fork to avoid cutting bulbs, then cure in a dry, airy place before storage.