Redwing

Onion

Zone 9a Save Garden

🌱 105d to harvest Bulbing

Sweetly aromatic and richly savory, Redwing onions form handsome, medium-to-large bulbs with a burnished red skin that deepens to…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Mar 6th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 6th
Harvest Begins	Jun 19th
Harvest Ends	Nov 26th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	105
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

Recommended Companions

Blushed Butter Oak Lettuce

Two Star Lettuce

Bull's Blood Beet

Yaya Carrot

Green Deer Tongue Lettuce

Saharan Lettuce

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.

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

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 32°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

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