Southport White Globe

Family: Amaryllidaceae Vegetable

Sweetly aromatic and exceptionally mild, Southport White Globe forms perfectly rounded bulbs with a clean, white skin that glows against the cool-season garden.

The flesh stays crisp and juicy with a fine, tender bite—ideal for fresh use, quick roasting, and brightening sauces where its gentle flavor shines. Grow it for dependable 90-day performance and globe-size bulbs that store with confidence for weeks of flavorful enjoyment.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Bulbing

Botanical illustration of Southport White Globe

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	Jul 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
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)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This Globe-type onion earns its keep with a sweet, clean profile and a crisp, juicy texture—no need to hide it behind heavy seasoning. Slice it thin for freshness or roast until just softened; it brings aroma and sweetness without turning sharp, so sauces stay bright instead of onion-burnt.

Best Uses

thin, raw slices in salads or on cheeseboards where they stay snappy
fast caramelization for a gentle sweetness (not harshly pungent)
quick roasting for glossy edges and jammy tenderness
brightening pan sauces and vinaigrettes where you want onion presence without bite

Flavor Profile

exceptionally mild, sweetly aromatic onion flavor crisp, juicy bite with fine tenderness clean, bright aroma that doesn’t overwhelm

Kitchen Pairings

butter olive oil thyme white wine champagne vinegar gruyere

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage onion (Allium cepa) problems with downy mildew (caused by Peronospora destructor)?

Downy mildew on onions shows as gray-purple, fuzzy growth on leaf tips and yellowing that spreads from the top. Remove and destroy infected leaves, improve airflow (space plants and keep weeds down), and avoid overhead watering so foliage stays dry. If you see active spread in humid weather, switch to a labeled onion fungicide strategy early and repeat according to the label as conditions remain favorable.

How often should I water Allium cepa during the bulbing phase (after the tops reach full height)?

During bulbing, keep the soil consistently evenly moist—about 1 inch of water per week total, adjusted for heat and soil type—so bulbs enlarge without splitting. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, then let the surface dry slightly before watering again to prevent rot. Stop watering gradually in the final 2–3 weeks before harvest so skins dry and bulbs cure properly.

How can I tell when Southport White Globe onion (Allium cepa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when about 1/2 to 2/3 of the plants have fallen over naturally and the necks are starting to soften, typically around 90 days. The outer skins should feel papery and the bulb size should match the variety’s globe shape. If rain is forecast, harvest promptly to reduce rot risk and cure bulbs in a warm, airy, shaded spot.