Onions

Ailsa Craig Onion - Firefly Farm & MercantileHeirloom Garden Favorites for Your Homestead Elevate your onion harvest with the legendary Ailsa Craig Onion—a true giant among heirlooms, prized by gardeners and exhibitors alike. Perfect for fresh eating, cooking, or entering at the county fair!  "The Ailsa Craig onion... has produced bulbs weighing over twelve pounds."– The Garden magazine, 1905 (UK Horticultural Society records) Overview The Ailsa Craig is a massive, globe-shaped yellow onion renowned for its sweet, mild flavor that shines raw in salads or caramelized in dishes. Bulbs typically reach 4-6 inches in diameterand weigh 1-2 pounds each, with thin, papery skins and firm, white flesh that stores exceptionally well for months in cool, dry conditions. This variety matures in 110-120 days from seed, yielding abundant crops in fertile soil. It's resistant to bolting and pink root disease, making it reliable for home gardens. Expect a harvest of show-worthy onions that outsize standard varieties! This variety is grown for fresh eating and short term storage.  Origin and History Named after the rugged Ailsa Craig island off Scotland's Ayrshire coast—a granite rock known as "Paddy's Milestone" for Irish immigrants—these onions trace their roots to Lanarkshire, Scotland, around 1880. Selected by David Murray, a market gardener, the strain was first exhibited in 1887 and quickly gained fame at British horticultural shows. By the early 1900s, it crossed the Atlantic, becoming a staple in North American seed catalogs. Today, it's preserved as a pure heirloom by organizations like Seed Savers Exchange, celebrated for producing record-breaking giants (over 10 pounds in competitions!). "Ailsa Craig onions are the aristocrats of the onion world—sweet enough to eat like apples." – Historic gardening lore How to Plant Ailsa Craig thrives in full sun (6-8 hours daily) and well-drained, fertile soilwith a pH of 6.0-7.0. Amend with compost for best results. Start Seeds Indoors (recommended for largest bulbs): Sow 8-10 weeks before last frost in trays at 70-75°F. Keep soil moist; thin to strongest seedlings. Transplant Outdoors: After danger of frost, space seedlings 4-6 inches apartin rows 12 inches apart. Plant 1-2 inches deep, with tips just above soil. Direct Sow Option: In zones 5+, sow in early spring, ½ inch deep, thinning to final spacing. Care Tips: Water consistently (1 inch/week); mulch to retain moisture. Fertilize with balanced organic feed every 3-4 weeks. Weed diligently—onions compete poorly. Harvest: When tops yellow and fall over (late summer), gently lift bulbs. Cure in a warm, dry spot for 2 weeks, then store at 32-40°F. Order Now for Spring Planting! Grow the giants at Firefly Farm & Mercantile—your source for heritage seeds since 2019. Questions? Contact us! 🌱

🧅 Red Baron Onion The Royal Standard of Red Onions If you are looking for the perfect red onion that balances beauty, flavor, and reliability, look no further than the Red Baron. This celebrated European heirloom is the "all-rounder" of the onion world. Famous for its intense, deep-crimson skin and a flavor that is bold but not overpowering, Red Baron is unique because its rich red color penetrates deep into the inner rings—not just the outer skin. Whether harvested young as a vibrant "spring onion" or allowed to mature into a hard, globe-shaped bulb, it is a masterpiece of garden utility. 📜 Historical Heritage & Origin The Red Baron is a classic European selection, rooted in the traditional red globe onions that have been grown across the United Kingdom and Northern Europe for centuries. While red onions were often considered "specialty" crops in the 1800s compared to the high-yielding yellow storage types, European gardeners specifically bred the Red Baron lineage to be tougher and more versatile. It was developed to solve a common problem with red onions: bolting (going to seed prematurely). By selecting for a slower, more deliberate growth habit, breeders created a variety that could withstand the erratic springs of Northern Europe. Over the last century, it has become the most popular red onion in the UK and a "must-have" for heirloom gardeners worldwide who want a red onion that actually stores well through the winter. 📖 Early Catalog "Snippets" While "Red Baron" stabilized as the specific trade name we know today in the mid-20th century, its ancestors were listed in the 19th century under names like "The Blood Red Globe" or "Dark Red Dutch." Here are snippets from the era that describe the traits that would eventually be perfected in the Red Baron: 1. Thompson & Morgan (London, Late 1800s) "A most excellent variety... the flesh is white, shaded with deep red, and is of a remarkably mild and pleasant flavor. It is one of the best for keeping." 2. Suttons & Sons (Reading, UK - early 20th century) "Deep blood-red skin... the color is not merely on the surface but extends well into the bulb. Remarkable for its symmetry and firmness." 3. Peter Henderson & Co. (New York, 1890s - referring to the European Red Globe type) "These Red Globes are of a much deeper and darker red than the older varieties... they are very handsome in appearance and possess the best keeping qualities of any red onion yet produced." ✨ Product Highlights True Red Rings: The color doesn't wash out when cooked and stays vibrant in raw salads. Dual-Harvest: Can be planted closely and harvested at 60 days as a "scallion" or spaced out and harvested at 110 days as a 3-inch bulb. Excellent Keeper: Unlike many red onions which rot quickly, Red Baron has a strong skin that allows it to store for 4–5 months. Bolt Resistant: Specifically bred to handle temperature fluctuations in the spring without flowering early. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Plant Type Annual (Heirloom) Onion Type Long-Day (Best for Mid-to-Northern Latitudes) Days to Maturity 60 (Scallion) / 110–115 (Bulb) Sun Requirement Full Sun (8+ hours) Storage Potential High for a red onion 🌱 How to Grow Red Baron Onions 1. Sowing: Indoors: Start seeds 10–12 weeks before the last frost. Sow in flats and keep the tops trimmed to 3 inches to encourage strong roots. Outdoors: Sow as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Sow 1/4 inch deep. 2. Spacing: For Scallions: Space seeds 1 inch apart. For Large Bulbs: Thin seedlings to 4 inches apart. 3. Soil & Feed:Onions are "heavy feeders." Amend your soil with plenty of compost. They prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Because they have shallow roots, consistent weeding is vital—don't let weeds steal their nutrients! 4. Harvesting:Harvest for bulbs when the green tops turn yellow and fall over. Pull the bulbs and let them cure (dry) in a shaded, airy spot for 2–3 weeks before cutting the tops off for storage. 🥗 Culinary Note Because of its mild but distinct flavor, Red Baron is the premier choice for pickling. When sliced and put in a vinegar brine, the deep red color bleeds into the liquid, creating a stunning pink jar of gourmet pickled onions. Garden Tip: If you have a short growing season, Red Baron is an excellent choice because it begins to bulb reliably even when the summer hasn't been particularly long or hot. ❄️🧅

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange  - This hardy white bunching onion is highly resistant to freezing and may be left in the ground year-round. Has resistance to thrips, smut, and pink root. This is a first-class perennial onion which needs only occasional division of clumps once established. . Characteristics:  Soft White Flesh 60 days  Organic 1 gram or Approx 450 seeds   Instructions - Sow seeds in early spring as soon as soil can be worked; or in mild growing areas, sow seeds in fall to overwinter for spring growth. To Start Transplants: sow 1 in. apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover about 1/4 in. deep. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are 2 to 3 in. tall. Transplant 4 in. apart, burying crowns 1 in. deep. To Start Outdoors: sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space 1 in. apart in rows 8 in. apart. Cover 1/4 in. deep, firm soil well over seeds, and keep evenly moist. Thin seedlings gradually to final 4 in. spacing, using the tasty thinnings.  Plant In: January - April  Full Sun  Plant rows 1 inch apart  Plant 1/4" deep 10-14 days to germinate  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Renee's Garden - Our high-yielding, Sweet Spanish onions germinate and grow strongly, producing heavy yields of big, crispy, white-fleshed bulbs that have handsome copper-colored wrapper skins. They are great tasting raw or cooked because they have a fine mild, sweet flavor. These versatile onions are perfect for salads and sandwiches, in stirfries, or roasted to caramelized perfection. Enjoy sweet Spanish onions within several months of harvest. Characteristics:  High-yielding  Big, mild, sweet onions  90-95 days  Approx 300-310 seeds Instructions - Sow seeds in early spring as soon as soil can be worked; in mild winter areas, seeds can also be sown in fall to overwinter for a head start in spring growth. Before planting, thoroughly work compost or well-aged manure and bonemeal into the soil. Keep onions well weeded and mulch plants once the soil warms up to conserve moisture. Feed onions lightly with an all-purpose fertilizer several times during the growing season. The “bite” or spiciness of onions depends on your soil type and composition. Plant In: February - April for cold winters or January - April / September - October for mild winters Full Sun  Plant rows 1 inch apart  Plant 1/4" deep 10-14 days to germinate  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - Look no further for a hardy, reliable, and, yes, flavorful bunching onion! The stalks of this tender Japanese perennial grow and divide from the base, reaching 12-14" when mature. Enjoy fresh in salads or grilled as a side dish. This variety will overwinter. 60-80 days.  Characteristics:  New for 2022 Bunching onion Grows slender, up to 12-14 inches Great for salads, soups, stews, and stir-fries 60-80 days from transplant 100 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds indoors in flats ¼" deep and space 1" in all directions. Transplant outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Keep onions well weeded with shallow cultivation.  Start Indoors: 4-6 weeks before transplanting  Germination: 4-10 Days Plant Outdoors: 4-6” Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Renee's Garden Exclusive - Enjoy these heirloom Italian salad onions at the scallion stage, or let them grow into succulent and juicy baby onions. They have burgundy-colored outer wrapper leaves, and white interior flesh that is juicy, succulent, and richly flavorful without being overly strong. They taste absolutely delicious sliced into salads or stirfries, egg dishes, or topping pizza. Plus these special salad onions grow easily and hold well in the garden so you can harvest as needed over an extended period.  Characteristics:  Renee's Garden Exclusive  Heirloom  Burgandy-colored  Juicy and richly flavorful  60-65 days  Instructions - Plant seeds throughout cool spring weather and again in mid to late summer for fall harvests. Sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun, spacing 1 inch apart in rows 8-10 inches apart, or broadcast thinly for bed planting. Plant 1/4 inch deep and firm soil well over seeds. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination. Thin young seedlings to 2 inches apart, and enjoy the tender thinnings in spring salads.  Plant In: March - June or August - September  Full Sun  Plant rows 1 inch apart  Plant 1/4" deep 10-20 days to germinate  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - Traditional Italian variety. Beautiful long bottle-shaped bulbs, attractive color. The flavor is mild and sweet. Best for fresh eating. Can be sown in spring and fall in milder climates. Long-day type. 100-120 days from transplant.  Characteristics:  Long-day onion Bulbs are red and bottle-shaped The mild, sweet flavor Can be sown in the fall in mild climates 100-120 days from transplant 100 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds indoors in flats ¼" deep and space 1" in all directions. Transplant outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Keep onions well weeded with shallow cultivation.  Start Indoors: 4-6 weeks before transplanting  Germination: 4-10 Days Plant Outdoors: 4-6” Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

An early and dependable yellow onion was selected to store until spring! High Mowing Organic Seeds - Medium-sized round bulbs with attractive warm brown skin and white flesh mild enough to eat raw all winter. Milder and more tender than most yellow onions, but equally reliable in storage. Developed for direct seeding in the rich muck soils of Orange County, NY; further selected by Johnny's Selected Seeds. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  Long to intermediate day Stores well 3-4" bulbs 98 days  Instructions - Onions (Allium cepa) are cool-season biennials. Onions started from seed store better than sets, but mature later. Onions prefer soils rich in organic matter that are well-drained. Best results come from selecting a bed with the least weed pressure possible.  Sow 1/8-1/4" deep Plant Spacing: Medium size onions 3-4”, for large onions 4-6”, for sweet onions 4” Row Spacing: 18-30"  Grow Rows 12" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Seed Savers Exchange -  It's juicy, crisp, and flavorful—and keeps exceptionally well. Yes, this medium-hot, long-day yellow onion is simply the best. Spherical bulbs measure 2.5"-3" long and 3”-4" wide and weigh from 8-12 ounces. Seed Savers Exchange member Alan Kapuler, Ph.D., of Peace Seeds in Oregon developed ‘Newburg’ by re-selecting an F1 hybrid into an open-pollinated, true breeding variety that retains the uniform quality of the original hybrid. 110 days. Organic Juicy, sweet and mild with no bitterness Excellent storage onion Bulbs range 2.5-3" long, 3-4" wide, and weigh 3-6 oz Heritage Farm Collection Variety in 2017 Instructions - Sow seeds indoors in flats ¼" deep and space 1" in all directions. Transplant outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Keep onions well weeded with shallow cultivation.  Start Indoors: 4-6 weeks before transplanting  Germination: 4-10 Days Plant Outdoors: 4-6” Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Renee's Garden - These eye-catching purple-red heirlooms are 4 to 5 in. torpedo-shaped onions with a rich, but mild and sweet flavor. Traditionally grown in Italy & France, Rossa Lunga di Firenze is an intermediate day-length onion, growing easily from seed to mature at midsummer in most areas. These adaptable and space-saving wine-colored beauties offer great garden performance and their juicy, mild, crispy red flesh absolutely shines in salads and sandwiches, or when grilled to sweet succulence.  Characteristics:  Mild and sweet flavor  Purple-red color  Adaptable  90-120 days  Approx 400-420 seeds Instructions - For big bulbs: sow seeds in early spring as soon as soil can be worked; or in mild growing areas, sow seeds in fall to overwinter for spring growth. To Start Transplants: sow 1 in. apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover about 1/4 in. deep. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are 2 to 3 in. tall. Transplant 4 in. apart, burying crowns 1 in. deep. To Start Outdoors: sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space 1 in. apart in rows 8 in. apart. Cover 1/4 in. deep, firm soil well over seeds, and keep evenly moist. Thin seedlings gradually to final 4 in. spacing, using the tasty thinnings.  Plant In: January - April  Full Sun  Plant rows 1 inch apart  Plant 1/4" deep 10-14 days to germinate  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

High Mowing Organic Seeds - Knocked our socks off in our bunching onion trials! We've never seen such a uniform, upright bunching onion, not a single leaf leaning over. Gorgeous rows of dark green and vigorous stalks with no bulbing at all, making cleaning easy and quick. Parade has a nice, mild onion flavor. It is from our partners at Bejo Seeds. Characteristics:  Organic Plants grow to 12-20 inches tall Onion flavored bulbs and chive flavored leaves 100 Seeds per packet  70 Days to maturity Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors 1/2" deep after the last frost.   Sow 1/2" deep Plant 2-3" apart Grow Rows 12" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

🟣 Purplette Onion The Gourmet Jewel of the Spring Garden Add a splash of sophisticated color to your vegetable patch with the Purplette Onion. This unique, open-pollinated specialty onion is a favorite among chefs and market gardeners for its stunning deep-burgundy skin and mild, refined flavor. Unlike traditional onions that take all season to mature, Purplette is built for speed and versatility, offering delicious harvests at nearly every stage of its growth. 📜 Historical Heritage & Origin While many heirloom onions have centuries of history, the Purplette is a modern heirloom classic that gained fame during the "Gourmet Gardening" movement of the late 20th century. It was developed to meet the demand for high-quality, "miniature" vegetables—a trend inspired by French kitchen gardens (potagers). It is prized for being a day-neutral variety, a trait that allowed it to spread quickly among gardeners globally. Unlike older varieties that were strictly tied to specific latitudes, Purplette was bred to be adaptable, performing consistently well from the cool climates of the North to the warmer southern regions. Its striking color and "pearl onion" size made it an overnight sensation in the 1980s and 90s at upscale farmers' markets, where it was often sold in beautiful, multi-colored bunches. ✨ Product Highlights Stunning Color: Glossy purple skins that transition to a soft, glowing pink when pickled or cooked. Versatile Harvest: Can be harvested as a "glossy purple" scallion, a golf-ball-sized mini onion, or a classic pearl onion. Ultra-Fast Maturity: One of the earliest onions you can harvest, often ready in just 60 days. Mild Flavor: Sweet and crunchy with very little "bite," making it perfect for raw eating, kabobs, or whole-roasting. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Plant Type Annual / Specialty Mini Onion Color Deep Purple Skin / White Interior Days to Maturity 60 Days (for mini bulbs) Sun Requirement Full Sun (6+ hours) Bulb Size 1 to 2 inches (Ping-pong ball size) Adaptability Day-Neutral (Grows well in most regions) 🌱 How to Grow Purplette Onions 1. Sowing the Seeds:Purplette onions can be direct-sown as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. Because they stay small, you can plant them much more densely than standard onions. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep. Space seeds roughly 1 inch apart. 2. Thinning for Success:If you want "pearl" or "mini" bulbs, thin the seedlings to 2–3 inches apart. If you prefer to harvest them as purple scallions (green onions), you can leave them crowded at 1 inch apart. 3. Soil & Water:Like all onions, Purplette has shallow roots and requires consistent moisture. Ensure your soil is loose and rich in organic matter. Mulch lightly to keep the soil cool and prevent weeds from competing with the delicate young stems. 4. Harvesting Stages: At 30-40 Days: Harvest as "purple scallions" when the base is just beginning to swell. At 60 Days: Harvest when the bulbs are 1–2 inches wide for the classic "mini" onion look. Note: Unlike storage onions, the tops of Purplette do not always "fall over" when ripe. Harvest them when they reach your desired size! 🍳 Culinary Note When cooked, the vibrant purple skin fades to a beautiful, translucent light pink. To preserve the deep purple color, try quick-pickling them in white vinegar or serving them raw as a garnish for salads and steaks. Garden Tip: Because Purplette matures so quickly, it is the perfect "gap-filler." Plant them in the spaces between slow-growing crops like peppers or tomatoes; you’ll be harvesting your onions just as the larger plants need the extra room! ⏲️

High Mowing Organic Seeds - An attractive red Cipollini-type with excellent flavor. Flattened bulbs pair well with Yellow Cipollini. Slower to mature than yellow varieties, but with similar shape and size. Stores longer than Yellow Cipollini. Excellent flavor for eating raw or cooking. Characteristics:  Long day Stores 4-5 months 2.5-3.5” bulbs  Open-Pollinated 105 Days to Maturity Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors 1/2" deep after the last frost.   Sow 1/2" deep Plant 2-3" apart Grow Rows 12" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (aka Dark Red Beauty) Listed as Large Red in 1834 by Hovey & Co. of Boston. By 1850, the name Wethersfield was in use by such companies as Comstock, Ferre & Co of Wethersfield, Connecticut. Large flattened globes with purple-red skin. Mildly pungent flesh with red concentric circles. Best used for salads and garnishes, not for extended storage. Long-day type. 100 days from transplant.  Characteristics:  Long-day onion Flattened globe-shaped bulbs Purple-red skin Concentric circles of red 100 days from transplant 100 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds indoors in flats ¼" deep and space 1" in all directions. Transplant outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Keep onions well weeded with shallow cultivation.  Start Indoors: 4-6 weeks before transplanting  Germination: 4-10 Days Plant Outdoors: 4-6” Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Inventory is a little low but more are on the way in the early January.  It is worth the wait for these ones! Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - 110 days. Italian heirloom onion with sweet white flesh and beautiful bright red/purple skins. These distinctively flattened barrel shaped onions store exceptionally well and make a tasty addition to any savory dish. Allium cepa Characteristics:  Stores Well Long Day (Intermediate to Long Day) Sweet, Purple Skins with White Flesh 110 days  Organic Approx 225 seeds   Instructions - For big bulbs: sow seeds in early spring as soon as soil can be worked; or in mild growing areas, sow seeds in fall to overwinter for spring growth. To Start Transplants: sow 1 in. apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover about 1/4 in. deep. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are 2 to 3 in. tall. Transplant 4 in. apart, burying crowns 1 in. deep. To Start Outdoors: sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space 1 in. apart in rows 8 in. apart. Cover 1/4 in. deep, firm soil well over seeds, and keep evenly moist. Thin seedlings gradually to final 4 in. spacing, using the tasty thinnings.  Plant In: January - April  Full Sun  Plant rows 1 inch apart  Plant 1/4" deep 10-14 days to germinate  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - Beautiful burgundy skin gives this large, firm, sweet onion its name. Perfect for storing, this long-day onion lasts up to 6 months. Reliable plants yield crunchy, aromatic bulbs. 120 days.  Characteristics:  Long-day onion Beautiful burgundy skin and sweet flavor Globe-shaped, solid bulbs Can store up to 6 months 120 days from transplant 100 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds indoors in flats ¼" deep and space 1" in all directions. Transplant outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Keep onions well weeded with shallow cultivation.  Start Indoors: 4-6 weeks before transplanting  Germination: 4-10 Days Plant Outdoors: 4-6” Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Southport Red Globe (Allium cepa) delivers vibrant red-purple skin over uniform 3-4" globe-shaped bulbs, with crisp white flesh ringed in red and a mild, sweet flavor perfect for grilling, pickling, or fresh eating. Superior storage (5-8 months) keeps them market-fresh all winter! Historical Charm A ruby-red selection from the original Southport Globe line, developed in Southport, Connecticut, USA and introduced in 1873.  Preserved by Seed Savers Exchange since the 1970s; a customer magnet for visual appeal. Growing Highlights Trait Details Type Long-day red onion (thrives 35-45°N latitudes) Days to Maturity 105-115 days from transplant Planting Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost; space 4-6" apart in rows 12" wide Yield Abundant; tight necks prevent splitting/bolting Storage Excellent keeper; color holds through months Pests/Disease Solid heirloom resistance; rotate annually "Bold red globes that pop on shelves and plates—your shoppers' new favorite!" Detailed Planting Instructions Follow these steps for bumper crops: Timing: Start seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before your last spring frost (e.g., February-March in zones 5-7). Soil Prep: Choose well-drained, fertile soil with pH 6.0-7.0. Amend with compost; full sun (6-8+ hours/day). Sowing: Sow seeds ¼-½" deep in trays/cells. Keep at 70-75°F; thin to strongest seedlings. Harden off transplants. Transplanting: Plant pencil-thick seedlings 4-6" apart in rows 12-18" apart after frost risk (soil 45°F+). Firm soil around roots. Care: Water consistently (1"/week); mulch to retain moisture. Fertilize lightly with balanced organic (e.g., 5-10-10) every 4 weeks. Weed diligently. Harvest: 105-115 days; pull when 50-75% tops yellow/fall over. Cure in shade 1-2 weeks, then store cool/dry.

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - 110 days. Short day This Vidalia-type onion is a good choice for the Mid-Atlantic and the South. Best started in the fall or winter and transplanted in early spring. Large top-shaped bulbs, thin skin, soft white flesh, with sweet mild flavor. Good resistance to splitting. Short keeper. Characteristics:  Short Day Soft White Flesh 110 days  Organic 1 gram or Approx 225 seeds   Instructions - For big bulbs: sow seeds in early spring as soon as soil can be worked; or in mild growing areas, sow seeds in fall to overwinter for spring growth. To Start Transplants: sow 1 in. apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover about 1/4 in. deep. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are 2 to 3 in. tall. Transplant 4 in. apart, burying crowns 1 in. deep. To Start Outdoors: sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space 1 in. apart in rows 8 in. apart. Cover 1/4 in. deep, firm soil well over seeds, and keep evenly moist. Thin seedlings gradually to final 4 in. spacing, using the tasty thinnings.  Plant In: January - April  Full Sun  Plant rows 1 inch apart  Plant 1/4" deep 10-14 days to germinate  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange-   Tokyo Long White is a Japanese Heirloom. Slim white onions with upright blue-green tops that grow quickly up to 12 in. and can form clumps up to 8 inches. Great for harvest in spring, summer and fall. Tolerant of heat and some cold. Excellent mild flavor for salads and stir-fries. Characteristics:  Soft White Flesh 65-95 days Organic 1 gram or Approx 450 seeds   Instructions - Sow seeds in early spring as soon as soil can be worked; or in mild growing areas, sow seeds in fall to overwinter for spring growth. To Start Transplants: sow 1 in. apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover about 1/4 in. deep. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are 2 to 3 in. tall. Transplant 4 in. apart, burying crowns 1 in. deep. To Start Outdoors: sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space 1 in. apart in rows 8 in. apart. Cover 1/4 in. deep, firm soil well over seeds, and keep evenly moist. Thin seedlings gradually to final 4 in. spacing, using the tasty thinnings.  Plant In: January - April  Full Sun  Plant rows 1 inch apart  Plant 1/4" deep 10-14 days to germinate  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

🧅 Valencia Onion (Spanish Sweet) The Giant of the Mediterranean If you are looking for an onion that combines impressive size with a mild, sugary flavor, the Valencia Onion (often called the "Sweet Spanish") is the gold standard. Known for producing massive, globe-shaped bulbs that can easily reach a pound or more, this heirloom is a staple for gardeners who want "hamburger-sized" slices and a crunch that won't overpower the palate. 📜 Historical Heritage & Origin As the name suggests, this heirloom variety traces its ancestry to the fertile coastal plains of Valencia, Spain. For centuries, Spanish farmers selected for onions that were larger and sweeter than the pungent, long-storing "cooking onions" of Northern Europe. The Valencia type was introduced to the United States in the late 19th century and quickly became the parent stock for many "Spanish Sweet" varieties we see today. It was prized by homesteaders because it bridged the gap between different climates; while many onions are strictly "short-day" (Southern) or "long-day" (Northern), the Valencia is a versatile Intermediate-day onion. This means it is highly adaptable and can be grown successfully in almost any region of the country. Historical Note:First introduced to American gardeners in the late 1880s, the Valencia Onion was a horticultural sensation. In 1894, famed seedsman Peter Henderson noted that these were the same "magnificent" sweet onions once found only at elite city fruit stands, imported at great cost from Spain. By bringing these seeds to the home gardener, the Valencia variety allowed everyone to grow "hamburger-sized" onions that were previously a luxury. They also went by the names The Prizetaker, Spanish King, Giant Yellow Spanish and Denia Onions.  ✨ Product Highlights Mild & Sweet: Very low pungency, making it the perfect choice for eating raw on sandwiches, in salads, or as blooming onions. Colossal Size: With proper spacing and fertility, these bulbs can grow to be 4–6 inches in diameter. Beautiful Aesthetics: Features thin, papery skins in a shimmering straw-yellow or golden-bronze hue. Adaptable: One of the most reliable "all-region" onions available to the home gardener. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Plant Type Annual / Biennial (Heirloom) Onion Type Intermediate-day (Adaptable to most latitudes) Bulb Size 4 to 6 inches (up to 1 lb+) Days to Maturity 110–120 Days Sun Requirement Full Sun (8+ hours) Storage Potential Short to Medium (Best used within 3–4 months) 🌱 How to Grow Valencia Onions 1. Starting from Seed:Onions have a long runway. Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before the last frost. Sow thinly in flats and keep the tops trimmed to about 3 inches to encourage strong root development before transplanting. 2. Transplanting:Move seedlings to the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. They are frost-hardy! Space plants 4–6 inches apart. If you want truly giant onions, give them the full 6 inches of space to expand. 3. Soil & Water: The "Heavy Feeder": Onions require rich soil. Amend your bed with plenty of compost or a nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer at planting. Consistent Moisture: Onions have shallow roots. Do not let the soil dry out completely, or the bulbs will stop growing and become more pungent. 4. Weed Control:Onions do not compete well with weeds. Keep the area around your Valencia onions meticulously clean. Use mulch (like straw) to suppress weeds and retain moisture. 5. Harvesting & Curing: The Signal: When the green tops turn yellow and fall over, the onions are ready. The Cure: Pull the bulbs and let them dry in a shaded, airy spot (like a porch or garage) for 2–3 weeks until the necks are completely dry and the outer skins are papery. Garden Tip: For the absolute sweetest flavor, harvest your Valencia onions "green" (before the skins dry) and eat them fresh from the garden. While they don't store as long as pungent storage onions, their flavor is unparalleled in mid-summer! 🍔