Onions

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 - 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

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. 

Renee's Garden - 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  Approx 500 seeds   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. 

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

The Living Seed Company - These little, rich burgundy hued, onions mature early and hold great.  Harvest when golf ball sized or when younger for bunching onions with beautiful purple ends. The rich burgundy color turns a lovely light pink when cooked or pickled.  We suggest using Purplette for any recipe that calls for onion. Great fresh in potato or cucumber salad and salsa or try it grilled, roasted, or charred.  Also makes pretty and delicious pickled onions. Characteristics:  Organic Plants grow to 12 inches tall Matures in 60-65 Days, harvesyt scallions at 6-8" tall, harvest bulbs when golf ball size 100 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors 1/4" deep after the last frost.   Sow 1/4" deep Plant 4" apart Grow Rows 12" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of 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

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.