Red Wethersfield

Onion

120d to harvest

Sink your senses into Red Wethersfield’s rich, wine-red skins that glow with a burnished, papery sheen as the bulbs mature. Underneath, the crisp flesh turns from rosy to bright white, offering a pungent, hot bite that lingers—ideal for bold flavor building in roasts, sautés, and hearty sauces, or for pickling where its color stays vivid and striking.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Jan 29th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	120
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)	28
Harden Off (days)	7

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Allium cepa (red onion) and how can I manage it?

Onions (Allium cepa) are commonly hit by onion maggots and botrytis/neck rot (often shows as a soft, brown neck near harvest). Use row cover early to prevent egg-laying by onion flies, and avoid keeping wet foliage by watering at the soil line; remove and destroy any plants with collapsing necks or watery soft spots. If you see early signs of maggot damage (wilted plants with tunneling near the base), pull and dispose of affected plants immediately to reduce spread.

How often should I water Allium cepa during active bulb growth, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?

During the main bulb-forming phase, keep the top 2–3 inches of soil consistently moist but not soggy—typically about 1 inch of water per week depending on heat and soil drainage. Water deeply when the surface starts to dry, then let excess water drain so the bulbs don’t rot. As the plants begin to mature (tops start to fall), reduce watering to help skins dry and bulbs cure.

How do I tell when red onions (Allium cepa) are ready to harvest?

Harvest when most tops have browned and fallen over and the necks feel tight rather than soft. Bulbs should have fully colored, papery outer skins, and the skins should resist rubbing off when gently brushed. For best keeping quality, lift onions on a dry day and cure them in a warm, airy spot for about 2–3 weeks with dry foliage still attached.