Patterson

Family: Amaryllidaceae Vegetable

Golden globes of Patterson Onion unfurl with a sweet, mellow bite and a clean, aromatic finish—skins that glow warm straw-yellow and flesh that turns tender and juicy as they mature.

The bulbs form a classic, well-balanced round silhouette with crisp outer layers and a fine, uniform texture that holds its integrity for everyday kitchen favorites, from caramelizing to savory roasts, and from fresh slices to hearty sauces. Grow Patterson for a dependable 110-day rhythm and the kind of flavor that feels bright even when simmered low.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 110 DaysHabit: Bulbing

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Aug 6th
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)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Patterson’s mellow sweetness and even texture make it a workhorse: it caramelizes without going bitter and roasts into jammy, spoonable layers. Use it thin and raw when you want onion flavor that feels bright, not sharp.

Best Uses

slow caramelize into glossy, evenly sweet slices
braise/roast until jammy and syrupy in pan drippings
use raw in thin rings for a sweet bite without harshness
fold into savory soups and sauces that simmer low for hours

Flavor Profile

sweet, mellow bite clean aromatic onion finish tender, juicy texture as it matures crisp outer layers that soften evenly

Kitchen Pairings

butter thyme gruyère beef chuck balsamic vinegar mushrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent and treat onion (Allium cepa) downy mildew and purple blotch?

Downy mildew and purple blotch show up as gray-purple lesions on leaves, often after cool, damp weather. Remove and discard heavily affected leaves, improve airflow with wider spacing, and water at the base so foliage stays dry. If the problem is active, use a labeled fungicide for onions and repeat as directed, especially during wet stretches.

How often should I water Allium cepa during bulbing (mid-to-late season) to avoid split bulbs?

During bulbing, keep soil consistently evenly moist but not waterlogged—about 1 inch (2–3 cm) of water per week depending on rainfall and heat. Water deeply, then let the top 1–2 inches (2–5 cm) of soil dry slightly before watering again. Stop regular watering and let tops fall over naturally in the final 2–3 weeks so bulbs can dry down and store well.

What are the best signs that Patterson onion (Allium cepa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when roughly half to two-thirds of the tops have fallen over and the necks feel dry and tight, typically around 110 days. Gently lift a bulb—mature onions should have firm bulbs and dry outer skins with good color. Harvest on a dry day, then cure with airflow (warm and shaded) until outer skins are papery and necks are fully dried.