SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Redwing

Onion
Zone 11a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Redwing to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Redwing
105d to harvest

Sweetly aromatic and richly savory, Redwing onions form handsome, medium-to-large bulbs with a burnished red skin that deepens to a jewel tone at maturity. The flesh is crisp and juicy, offering a balanced bite that softens beautifully into a mellow, golden sweetness when roasted or sautéed, while still staying bright for fresh use. Grow Redwing for dependable intermediate-day performance and a harvest that shines in salads, relishes, and slow-simmered sauces alike.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 45°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

For best storage onions, keep soil evenly moist early, then taper watering once bulbs start swelling and stop irrigation before harvest.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsJan 14th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity105
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitBulbing
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)45
Min Night Temp (°F)32
Harden Off (days)Not Required

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Redwing in Zone 11a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 45°F before transplanting Redwing.

Garden Alerts

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Allium cepa (onion) and how can I manage it in my garden?
Onions are commonly hit by onion fly and fungal problems like downy mildew, which show as drooping leaves and gray-purple, fuzzy growth under humid conditions. Use floating row cover over transplants or seedlings, and remove any infected leaves early to reduce spread. Space plants well and water at the soil level (not the foliage) to keep leaf surfaces dry, then consider an appropriate fungicide labeled for onions if downy mildew pressure is high.
How often should I water Allium cepa during its main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?
During bulbing (mid-season), keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, split across 1–2 deep waterings. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, since waterlogged soil can suppress bulb growth and increase rot risk. Once tops begin to yellow and fall naturally, reduce watering to help bulbs cure.
How do I tell when Allium cepa (red onion) is ready to harvest?
Harvest when about 50–75% of the tops have fallen over and the remaining leaves are yellowing and drying, with the bulb skins feeling papery. Don’t wait for full leaf collapse—bulbs can over-swell and split if left too long. Lift carefully and cure in a warm, airy spot for about 2 weeks until necks are tight and skins are fully dry.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 45°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

For best storage onions, keep soil evenly moist early, then taper watering once bulbs start swelling and stop irrigation before harvest.

Botanical illustration of Redwing

Sweetly aromatic and richly savory, Redwing onions form handsome, medium-to-large bulbs with a burnished red skin that deepens to a jewel tone at maturity. The flesh is crisp and juicy, offering a balanced bite that softens beautifully into a mellow, golden sweetness when roasted or sautéed, while still staying bright for fresh use. Grow Redwing for dependable intermediate-day performance and a harvest that shines in salads, relishes, and slow-simmered sauces alike.