ONION Monastrell 4″sq O.L.
$6.50
Long harvest window.
Excellent field-holding capacity. Slightly flattened globes are large to jumbo-size. Rich red skin color permeates the internal rings. A good choice to follow Cabernet for late-season onions in a wide range of latitudes. Strong tops withstand thrips and foliar disease. Stores approx. 3-5 months.
106 days
$6.50
$6.50
Onion, Leeks and Shallots Growing Tips
Onions have been cultivated for thousands of years and this has resulted in the development of a plethora of different shapes, sizes, colors and flavors. Yellow onions are excellent for long storage and are a true staple in the kitchen. Red onions are delicious in salads and salsas, and white onions are fantastic for use in Mexican dishes or chutneys. Sweet onions have a sweeter flavor (no surprise there..) and are fantastic for caramelizing to use as a delicious topping on burgers and other summertime treats. Leeks are related to bulb onions and are great added to soups, risottos and pasta dishes. Shallots form clusters of smaller bulbs which store very well and add lovely flavor to soups, stews and sautéed dishes.
Planting
- Onions grow best in a soil with good drainage and a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Prior to planting, prepare the soil by incorporating a good quality compost and a balanced fertilizer.
- Spacing:
- Onions: 3 to 4” apart in rows 12 to 18” apart
- Leeks: 6” apart in rows 12” apart
- Shallots: 4” apart in rows 12” apart
Watering
- Onions have shallow roots and require regular moisture to grow well. Onions should receive about 1” of water per week. Drip irrigation is an effective and efficient way to irrigate vegetable crops because the water is delivered directly to the soil where it will be taken up by the roots. Drip irrigation also keeps water off of the foliage which will reduce the risk of disease development.
- When the bulbs are reaching maturity and the tops begin to fall, stop watering.
Maintenance
- Keep the planting well weeded. Be careful not to damage the shallow onion roots when weeding.
- Using mulch, such as cocoa mulch, straw, untreated dry grass clippings or shredded leaves will suppress weed growth and help retain soil moisture.
- Nitrogen is important for onion growth. Sidedress the plants with an organic nitrogen (blood meal or feather meal) just as the bulbs are beginning to form.
Harvesting
- Bulb Onions: Bulbs onions are ready to harvest once most of the tops have fallen and the outer leaves are dry. Harvest on a dry day and avoid harvesting if the plants are wet.
- To prepare for long term storage, with tops on, cure the onions in a dry, well-ventilated location which is between 75 to 90 degrees. The outer leaves will continue to dry and the neck will dry and become tight. Once dry, tops may be braided or the tops may be cut off. Store in a cool, dry location.
- Leeks: Leeks are ready to harvest when about 1” in diameter. To harvest, gently twist and pull the leeks from the soil. Make sure to thoroughly clean the leeks before cooking. Soil can often become trapped in between the leaf layers.
- Shallots: Shallots may be harvested when the tops are falling over. Cure the shallots for about 1 week and then trim off the tops. Store in a cool location.
