Onion Seeds (Long Day) - Southport White Globe

The Southport White Globe onion is a premium long-day variety known for its crisp texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. This onion is prized for its smooth, white bulbs and uniform shape, making it a popular choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers. With excellent storage potential, Southport White Globe onions are perfect for a variety of dishes and can be enjoyed fresh, roasted, or pickled.

Key Benefits

• Mild, Sweet Flavor: Delivers a gentle, sweet flavor with a light, crisp texture, ideal for fresh consumption.
• Uniform, Globe-Shaped Bulbs: Produces large, round, white onions with a smooth, flawless exterior.
• Excellent Storage: Known for its ability to store well over several months when cured and stored properly.
• Cold Hardy: A long-day variety that thrives in northern climates with long growing seasons.
• High Yield: Produces a consistent, high yield of uniform bulbs, making it ideal for gardeners looking for reliable production.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Produces large, globe-shaped bulbs with smooth white skins and firm, white flesh.
• Flavor Profile: Mild and sweet, with a delicate onion taste that’s not overpowering.
• Growth Habit: Tall, upright plants with long, strong green leaves that develop into globe-shaped bulbs.
• Size: Typically grows to 3–4 inches in diameter, with a firm, round shape.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Start seeds indoors in early spring or sow directly in the garden once temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C).
• Best suited for long-day regions with extended daylight hours.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space plants 4–6 inches apart in rows that are 12–18 inches apart.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Ideal for loamy soils.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun and a minimum of 14 hours of daylight for optimal growth.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the bulb formation stage. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time and again when plants are about 6 inches tall for strong growth.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly weed around the onions to prevent competition for nutrients.
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Onion flies, aphids, and thrips may pose a threat. Use insecticidal soap or row covers to protect plants.
• Diseases: Watch for fungal diseases like downy mildew and onion rust. Rotate crops annually and maintain good garden hygiene.

Harvesting

Maturity

• Southport White Globe onions are ready to harvest in about 110–120 days, depending on growing conditions.
• Size: Harvest when bulbs are fully formed, and the tops begin to yellow and fall over.

Method

• Gently pull the onions or use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the bulbs. Allow them to cure in a warm, dry area for 1–2 weeks before storage.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store cured onions in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months.
• Long-Term: For extended storage, keep onions in a well-ventilated area with low humidity to avoid mold and sprouting.

Culinary Uses

• Raw: Perfect for fresh use in salads, sandwiches, and salsas.
• Roasted: Slice and roast onions for a sweet, caramelized flavor.
• Grilled: Grill slices for a deliciously smoky flavor.
• Pickled: Can be pickled for use in condiments or as a garnish for various dishes.

Conclusion
The Southport White Globe onion is a high-quality variety that thrives in northern climates with long daylight hours. Its mild, sweet flavor and excellent storage capabilities make it a must-have for gardeners looking to produce onions that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Whether used raw in salads or cooked in savory dishes, Southport White Globe onions are versatile and perfect for any kitchen.