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Ailsa Craig

Onion
Zone 11b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Ailsa Craig to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Ailsa Craig
95d to harvest

Sweet, golden bulbs with a gentle bite—Ailsa Craig brings a luminous, honeyed flavor and a beautifully crisp yet tender texture to the garden. The classic Yellow Onion form develops firm, well-filled layers that roast to a melting softness and shine in fresh salads, slow-simmered sauces, and quick pickling for a bright, balanced tang. Grow it for reliable, home-garden performance and that unmistakably refined “Ailsa” sweetness at harvest.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsJan 4th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity95
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitBulbing
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)45
Min Night Temp (°F)35
Harden Off (days)Not Required

Today's Conditions

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

Garden Alerts

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ailsa Craig tomato plants keep getting brown, concentric rings on lower leaves—what disease is it and how do I stop it?
Brown concentric rings on older, lower leaves of Ailsa Craig tomatoes are classic for early blight (Alternaria). Remove and destroy infected leaves immediately, then spray with a labeled fungicide for tomato early blight and repeat according to the label (especially after rain/dew). Keep foliage as dry as possible by watering at the soil line and spacing plants so air moves through the canopy.
How often should I water Ailsa Craig tomatoes during the main growing phase to avoid fruit cracking and blossom-end rot?
During active flowering and fruit set, water deeply enough to moisten the root zone, typically every 2–3 days in warm weather, but only when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Aim for steady moisture—don’t let the soil swing from very dry to fully soaked, which can trigger cracking. Use a soaker hose or drip and keep water off leaves; mulch helps maintain even moisture around the plants.
Botanical illustration of Ailsa Craig

Sweet, golden bulbs with a gentle bite—Ailsa Craig brings a luminous, honeyed flavor and a beautifully crisp yet tender texture to the garden. The classic Yellow Onion form develops firm, well-filled layers that roast to a melting softness and shine in fresh salads, slow-simmered sauces, and quick pickling for a bright, balanced tang. Grow it for reliable, home-garden performance and that unmistakably refined “Ailsa” sweetness at harvest.

Today's Conditions

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

Garden Alerts

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

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

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

Expert Note

Start with clean, well-drained soil and transplant into consistently cool conditions; Ailsa Craig performs best when it has steady growth before bulbing and is harvested before extended wet fall weather reduces shelf life.