Onion Seeds (Bunching) - Tokyo Long White

Tokyo Long White onions are a popular bunching onion variety, known for their long, slender white stalks and mild, sweet flavor. This variety is perfect for early-season harvests and is a great choice for gardeners looking to grow tender, fresh onions that don’t require curing. Tokyo Long White onions are versatile in the kitchen and ideal for garnishes, salads, and stir-fries.

Key Benefits

• Mild, Sweet Flavor: Known for their delicate, sweet taste, Tokyo Long White onions are less pungent than traditional onions, making them perfect for fresh applications.
• Early Harvest: These onions mature quickly, allowing for early-season harvesting, usually within 60–70 days.
• Bunching Variety: As a bunching onion, Tokyo Long White produces long, edible stems that can be harvested as needed throughout the growing season.
• No Need for Curing: Unlike traditional onions, Tokyo Long White onions do not require curing, making them ideal for gardeners looking for a quick and easy harvest.
• High Yield: Produces a prolific crop, perfect for home gardeners or small-scale farming.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Tokyo Long White onions grow long, slender white stalks with a mild flavor. The green tops are also edible and can be used in dishes.
• Flavor Profile: Mild, sweet, and delicate, with a subtle onion flavor that is perfect for fresh dishes.
• Growth Habit: This variety produces long white stalks that grow in clusters, ideal for bunching and harvesting multiple onions at once.
• Size: Typically grows to about 10–12 inches tall, with thin white stalks.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Planting Time: Tokyo Long White onions can be started in early spring for a summer harvest or fall for a late harvest.
• Ideal Temperature: These onions thrive in temperatures between 55°F–75°F (13°C–24°C).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space plants 2–4 inches apart in rows 10–12 inches apart.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal, but they can tolerate light shade, especially in warmer climates.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, providing about 1 inch of water per week.
• Watering Method: Water at the base of the plants to avoid fungal diseases.

Fertilization

• Balanced Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) when planting and again when the plants are about 6 inches tall.
• Soil Enrichment: Incorporate organic compost into the soil before planting to improve fertility and drainage.

Weeding and Mulching

• Weeding: Regularly weed around the onions to ensure they have access to nutrients, being careful not to disturb the shallow roots.
• Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a cool root environment.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for aphids and thrips. Use insecticidal soap or row covers to protect the plants.
• Diseases: Tokyo Long White onions are prone to fungal diseases like downy mildew, so crop rotation and proper garden hygiene are important for preventing issues.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Tokyo Long White onions are ready to harvest in 60–70 days.
• Harvesting Size: Harvest when the stalks reach 10–12 inches long. These onions can be harvested as a whole bunch or individually.
• Method: Gently pull up the onions, or use a garden fork to loosen the soil before lifting them out.

Storage

• Short-Term Storage: These onions are best used fresh, as they do not store well long-term.
• Storage Tips: Store fresh bunching onions in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 weeks. They can be kept in a jar with water to maintain freshness for a little longer.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh Use: Ideal for garnishing, salads, and salsas due to their mild flavor.
• Stir-Fries and Soups: Their tender stalks and mild onion flavor make them a perfect addition to stir-fries, soups, and stews.
• Pickled: Tokyo Long White onions can be pickled for a unique, crunchy condiment.
• Sautéed: Quickly sautéed, they add a mild onion flavor to any dish without being overpowering.

Conclusion

Tokyo Long White onions are a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for a quick, early-season crop with minimal maintenance. Their sweet, mild flavor, early maturity, and high yield make them an excellent addition to both beginner and experienced gardeners’ plots. Whether used fresh in salads or cooked in stir-fries, Tokyo Long White onions will add a mild, delicious flavor to your meals without the need for curing. Perfect for warm climates and early harvests, this bunching onion variety is a must-have for your garden.