Redwing F1

Family: Amaryllidaceae Vegetable

Aromatically sweet at first whiff, Redwing F1 forms handsome, globe-true bulbs with a rich mahogany-red outer skin that deepens in storage.

Inside, the flesh turns crisp white with a rosy blush near the rings, offering a satisfying snap and a clean, balanced bite that shines in long-lasting pantry favorites. Ideal for red storage use—grow for dependable bulbing and robust flavor that carries through the season.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 110 DaysHabit: Bulbing

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 6th
Harvest Begins	Sep 24th
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)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Redwing F1 has that unmistakable sweet-to-sharp transition and a high “snap” that stays present even when cooked down—great for anything from jammy confit to crisp raw slices. Its pantry-friendly storage flavor means it keeps tasting like itself long after harvest, not like dried-out onion mush.

Best Uses

slow-braised red onion jam or confit where it melts evenly
caramelized onions for burgers and jammy tartlets
thin-sliced salads where the snap stays crisp
storage-forward roasting: wedges that hold structure on a sheet pan

Flavor Profile

sweet-allium bite that turns clean and balanced crisp, snappy texture with a rosy ring blush deepening caramel notes in the pan light natural bite that won’t dominate

Kitchen Pairings

balsamic vinegar goat cheese beef chuck or brisket thyme butter red wine

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Allium cepa (onion) and what should I do about it?

Onions are especially prone to purple blotch (Alternaria porri) and downy mildew under cool, wet conditions. Remove and destroy infected tops, then improve airflow and water at the base (not the leaves); for home beds, a labeled fungicide is most effective when applied early at the first spotting. If you see maggots or thrips, cover seedlings with fine mesh while plants are small and avoid keeping volunteer onions nearby.

How often should I water Allium cepa during the main growing phase?

During active leaf growth and early bulb swelling, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—about 1 inch of water per week, split into 2–3 sessions if needed. Once bulbs begin to swell, reduce frequency so the soil dries slightly between waterings; overly wet soil near harvest can cause rot and poor keeping. Check moisture at 2–3 inches deep: water only when it feels moderately dry there.

How can I tell when Allium cepa is ready to harvest?

Harvest when about half the plants have fallen over and the necks are starting to dry and thin, typically around 110 days from sowing (varies with season). Stop watering once tops begin to yellow to help bulbs finish curing. Lift carefully on a dry day, then cure in a warm, airy spot until skins are papery and the necks feel dry (usually 1–2 weeks) before storing.