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New York Early

Family: Amaryllidaceae Vegetable
Zone 13a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add New York Early to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

Sunlit, golden bulbs of New York Early bring a sweet, mellow onion flavor with a gentle bite—ideal for gardeners who love harvests that feel both abundant and refined.

The skins ripen to a warm yellow-brown sheen, while the flesh stays crisp and juicy, offering a clean, aromatic character that shines in fresh use and quick-roasted favorites. New York Early’s dependable 105-day rhythm makes it a satisfying cool-season choice for home plots seeking reliable, early-leaning performance.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 105 DaysHabit: Bulbing

Botanical illustration of New York Early

Select your planting zone

To calculate dates and add this crop to your garden, provide your location or zone below.

Crop Dates : 13a

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 13a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsJan 14th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity105
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitBulbing
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)65
Min Soil Temp (°F)45
Min Night Temp (°F)28
Harden Off (days)Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

New York Early gives you that classic onion sweetness without the throat-tight bite—its crisp, juicy flesh stays composed in raw slices and turns silky fast when heat hits. Choose it for quick-roasted or sautéed bases where you want aroma first, caramelized sweetness second, and zero bitterness.

Best Uses

  • thin-sliced raw salads where it stays crisp and not overly sharp
  • quick-roasted wedges to get bronzed edges and juicy centers
  • fast-sauté base for soups and pan sauces—aromatic, not harsh
  • grilled/charred onion layers for burgers and flatbreads, where sweetness meets smoky chew

Flavor Profile

sweet, mellow onion aroma crisp, juicy bite gentle pungency that fades into roasted-silk sweetness

Kitchen Pairings

balsamic vinegar butter thyme black pepper gruyère beef

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage onion (Allium cepa) downy mildew or purple blotch in home gardens?
Watch for gray-purple lesions on leaves and a downy, fuzzy growth during cool, humid weather. Improve airflow by spacing onions at least 4–6 in. apart and avoid watering the foliage; water the soil at the base. If problems start, remove badly affected leaves and use a labeled fungicide suitable for onions when conditions stay wet (follow the product’s schedule and pre-harvest interval).
How often should I water Allium cepa during the main bulb-forming phase?
During bulb formation (mid-season), keep the top 1–2 in. of soil consistently moist but not soggy—typically about 1 in. of water per week, split across 1–2 deep waterings. If leaves start wilting and the soil is dry 2–3 in. down, water immediately; if you see standing water or persistent wet soil, cut back. Stop regular watering 10–14 days before harvest to help bulbs dry down and store better.
When is Allium cepa ready to harvest, and how can I tell?
Harvest when about 50–70% of the tops have fallen over and the necks are starting to soften, but the bulbs still feel firm and well-filled. Loosen soil gently with a fork to avoid cutting bulbs, then lift and lay onions out to cure in a warm, airy spot until skins are papery (usually 1–2 weeks). If a neck is still very green and tight, keep curing longer before storing.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 13a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 13a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For the most reliable “New York Early” results in the Northeast, transplant into cool weather (not cold-snarled ground) and give consistent moisture to avoid loose heads.