Onion Seeds (Bunching) - White Lisbon

White Lisbon is a popular and versatile bunching onion variety, known for its mild flavor and fast growth. It’s perfect for early-season planting and ideal for gardeners looking for an onion that doesn't require curing. With crisp, tender stalks and a delicate taste, White Lisbon onions are excellent in fresh dishes, making them a must-have for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Key Benefits

• Mild, Sweet Flavor: White Lisbon onions have a delicate, mild flavor that is perfect for raw applications like salads, salsas, and sandwiches.
• Quick Maturation: This bunching onion variety matures in as little as 50–70 days, providing a quick and early harvest.
• No Curing Required: Unlike bulb onions, White Lisbon onions do not need curing, making them a convenient option for fresh consumption.
• High Yield: Known for producing a large number of stalks per plant, making them a great addition to your garden for both fresh and cooked use.
• Compact Growth: These onions grow well in smaller spaces, making them ideal for container gardening or raised beds.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: White Lisbon onions have long, slender white stalks and bright green tops. The plants grow in clumps, and both the white stalks and green tops are edible.
• Flavor Profile: These onions have a mild, sweet taste with no harshness, making them a perfect choice for fresh dishes.
• Growth Habit: The onions grow in dense clusters of slender, white stems and tall, green tops that can be harvested as bunches.
• Size: Typically, the stalks reach about 12–18 inches in height, and the plant grows compactly in clumps.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Planting Time: Start planting early in spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
• Ideal Temperature: White Lisbon onions thrive in temperatures between 55°F–75°F (13°C–24°C), perfect for cool-season gardening.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 2–4 inches apart in rows 8–12 inches apart to allow proper airflow and healthy growth.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.
• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal, although the onions can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer regions.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply to encourage strong root development.
• Watering Frequency: Provide about 1 inch of water per week, ensuring the soil stays moist during dry spells.

Fertilization

• Balanced Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time and again when the onions are about 6 inches tall for continued growth.
• Soil Enrichment: Incorporate compost or organic matter into the soil to promote healthy root growth and improve soil structure.

Weeding and Mulching

• Weeding: Keep the garden beds weed-free, being careful not to disturb the shallow roots of the onions.
• Mulching: Apply mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a cool root environment.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Be vigilant for pests such as aphids, thrips, and onion maggots. Use insecticidal soap or row covers to protect the plants.
• Diseases: White Lisbon onions can be susceptible to fungal diseases like downy mildew. Rotate crops annually and maintain good garden hygiene to reduce disease risks.

Harvesting

• Maturity: White Lisbon onions are ready for harvest in 50–70 days, depending on growing conditions.
• Harvesting Size: These onions can be harvested when the stalks are large enough to use, typically when they reach 12–18 inches in height.
• Method: Gently pull the onions by hand or use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the base of the plant before lifting them out.

Storage

• Short-Term Storage: White Lisbon onions are best used fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 weeks.
• Storage Tips: You can store them in a jar with water or freeze them after blanching to preserve their freshness for longer.

Culinary Uses

• Salads and Salsas: Perfect for adding to fresh salads and salsas with their mild flavor and crisp texture.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Great for use as a crunchy topping for sandwiches, wraps, or burgers.
• Stir-Fries: These onions add a delicate, sweet flavor to stir-fries without overwhelming the other ingredients.
• Soups and Garnishes: They are ideal for adding flavor to soups or garnishing dishes.

Conclusion

White Lisbon bunching onions are an easy-to-grow, fast-maturing variety that provides fresh, mild-flavored onions in no time. With their compact growth, high yield, and versatility in the kitchen, they’re a fantastic choice for both new and experienced gardeners. Whether used in salads, salsas, stir-fries, or as a garnish, White Lisbon onions add a fresh, sweet flavor to any dish.