Texas Early Grano 502 PRR

Family: Amaryllidaceae Vegetable

Sweetly aromatic from the first harvest, Texas Early Grano 502 PRR forms crisp, white bulbs with a clean, bright skin that looks freshly polished in the garden.

The flesh is tender and juicy, delivering a mild, balanced bite that shines in fresh preparations and gentle cooking, while also holding its shape beautifully for roasting and skillet browning. Grow this early white onion for reliable, uniform bulbs—an excellent choice when you want flavor that arrives on schedule and stays versatile from garden to pantry.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Bulbing

Botanical illustration of Texas Early Grano 502 PRR

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)	32
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Early white onions like this one bring a gentle sweetness and a crisp, watery bite that stays lively in raw uses—no need to hide it under heavy sauces. When cooked lightly, it browns fast but keeps its structure, so it’s ideal for skillet work and roasting where you want flavor and texture to arrive together.

Best Uses

thin raw slices for crunch in salads and herb-forward salsas
quick skillet browning where it turns sweet without going harsh
roasting whole or in thick wedges for caramelized edges and tender centers
lightly cooked applications like omelets and sandwiches where it stays juicy

Flavor Profile

mild, sweetly aromatic bite crisp, juicy snap clean, bright finish that doesn’t overwhelm holds texture under gentle heat

Kitchen Pairings

butter olive oil honey thyme gruyère eggs

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease problem in Allium cepa (onions) in home gardens, and how do I manage it?

Onions (Allium cepa) are especially prone to purple blotch (Alternaria porri) which shows as purple, elongated spots on leaves and can spread in humid weather. Remove and discard badly affected foliage early, increase airflow (space plants and avoid crowding), and switch to watering at the base so leaves stay dry. If pressure is high, use a labeled fungicide for onions and begin applications as soon as spots appear, following the label interval until harvest.

How often should I water Allium cepa during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture target should I maintain?

During active leaf and bulb growth, keep the bed evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week total, split across several waterings if days are hot. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, because consistently saturated soil increases rot and fungal leaf disease in onions. When bulbs start to size up (roughly mid-season), reduce frequency so the soil doesn’t stay wet.

How can I tell when Texas Early Grano 502 PRR onions are ready to harvest?

Harvest when about half the plants have naturally fallen over and the necks begin to soften, typically around 90 days from planting (varies with weather). Lift bulbs gently to avoid bruising, then cure them in a warm, airy, shaded spot until outer skins are papery and necks are dry. Onions that are harvested after the foliage fully collapses will store best, but avoid leaving them in wet soil once necks are weakening.