Ailsa Craig Onion, Long Day 1887 Hierloom

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

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Direct Sow Option: In zones 5+, sow in early spring, ½ inch deep, thinning to final spacing.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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Grow the giants at Firefly Farm & Mercantile—your source for heritage seeds since 2019. Questions? Contact us! 🌱