Ebenezer White

Family: Amaryllidaceae Vegetable

Sweetly mild and cleanly aromatic, Ebenezer White forms crisp, ivory-skinned bulbs with a bright, paper-white sheen that feels almost luminous in the hand.

The flesh is tender yet firm, offering a juicy bite and a balanced flavor that shines in long-storing favorites—ideal for roasting, fresh slicing, and silky sauces, as well as pickling for a delicate tang.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 110 DaysHabit: Bulbing

Botanical illustration of Ebenezer White

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	Aug 13th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	110
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bulbing
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Ebenezer White sits in that rare zone where the onion flavor stays bright and clean—sweet up front, aromatic but not aggressive—so it won’t overwhelm delicate dressings or pickles. Slice it thin and it stays juicy-crisp; roast or reduce it and it turns velvety without getting harsh.

Best Uses

thin slicing on salads where it stays crisp and not harsh
slow-roasted or caramelized for a sweet, lacquered tenderness
silky onion-heavy sauces that benefit from a clean, non-skunky aroma
quick pickling for a delicate snap and bright tang

Flavor Profile

sweetly mild allium bite clean, crisp juiciness gentle aromatic pungency

Kitchen Pairings

butter thyme white wine champagne vinegar parmesan chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage onion (Allium cepa) downy mildew or purple blotch during cool, wet weather?

Look for gray-purple blotches on leaves and a fuzzy downy growth during humid conditions, especially when plants are crowded. Remove and destroy heavily affected leaves, improve airflow by spacing and thinning, and avoid watering the foliage—water at the base early in the day. If outbreaks persist, use a labeled fungicide suitable for onions and follow the interval on the label.

How often should I water Allium cepa during the main growing phase to form good bulbs?

During active leaf growth and until bulbing starts, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusted for rainfall and heat. When bulbs begin to size, taper to lighter, less frequent watering so skins can mature; stop frequent watering once tops start to fall over. Check moisture 2–3 inches down—if it’s dry at that depth, irrigate; if it stays wet, hold off.

When is Ebenezer White onion (Allium cepa) ready to harvest and how can I tell?

Harvest when about half the tops have fallen over and the necks start to soften, typically around 110 days from sowing/transplanting depending on conditions. The bulbs should have fully colored skins (for white onions, tight, crisp outer layers) and feel firm rather than squishy. Lift carefully on a dry day, cure them in a shaded, airy spot for about 2 weeks, and then trim roots and tops for storage.