Red Baron

Onion

Zone 13a Save Garden

🌱 100d to harvest Bulbing

Crisp, jewel-bright red bulbs rise with a sweet, mellow bite—deep garnet skins that gleam like polished velvet. Red Baron forms l…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Nov 6th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Apr 11th
Harvest Ends	—

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	100
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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Allium cepa (red onions), and how can I manage them in a home garden?

Onions (Allium cepa) are prone to onion thrips and purple blotch/leaf blight. Start by removing and destroying badly spotted leaves, avoid overhead watering, and space plants for airflow; if thrips are visible, use insecticidal soap and repeat every 5–7 days until they drop. For purple blotch, keep the foliage dry, and apply a labeled fungicide if the disease keeps spreading after sanitation.

How often should I water red onions during the main bulbing growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?

During bulbing (roughly mid-season through about a few weeks before tops fall over), keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—typically about 1 inch of water per week total, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Water deeply, then let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry slightly before watering again to prevent rot and disease. Stop increasing water once bulbs are sizing up well, and reduce watering to avoid split or soft bulbs near maturity.

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

Harvest when most tops (about 50–75%) have fallen over and the necks start to dry down, while bulbs have reached full size for the variety and feel firm. Usually this is around the 100-day mark from planting, but use the top condition as your main cue. Lift carefully to avoid bruising, then cure in a warm, airy place out of direct sun until skins are papery and the necks are tight.

Crisp, jewel-bright red bulbs rise with a sweet, mellow bite—deep garnet skins that gleam like polished velvet. Red Baron forms large, globe-to-flattened onions with tight, dry outer layers and a firm, juicy interior that stays pleasantly tender. Grow for standout fresh slices and vibrant color in salads, or for rich, caramelized flavor in roasts and skillet favorites—its color holds beautifully from pan to plate.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

For best results, grow from sets or transplants and plant as soon as the soil is workable—onions are cold-tolerant and will size up with longer spring days.