Onion Seeds (Long Day) - White Sweet Spanish

The White Sweet Spanish onion is a classic and popular variety known for its large, mild, and sweet flavor. This long-day onion is perfect for gardeners looking to grow a high-yield, flavorful onion that can be used in a variety of culinary applications. Its crisp, white flesh makes it a favorite for fresh dishes, such as salads and sandwiches, while its mild sweetness allows it to be used in both raw and cooked recipes.

Key Benefits

• Mild Sweetness: Offers a very mild, sweet flavor, making it ideal for raw consumption without the strong pungency typical of other onion varieties.
• Large Size: Known for producing large bulbs, providing a generous harvest for both home gardeners and small-scale farmers.
• High Yield: A prolific variety, White Sweet Spanish onions offer a high yield, making them a great choice for gardeners seeking abundant crops.
• Ideal for Fresh Use: Perfect for salads, salsas, sandwiches, and as a topping for burgers and tacos, providing a crisp, sweet bite.
• Long Shelf Life: When stored properly, these onions have a good shelf life, allowing them to be enjoyed throughout the year.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: White Sweet Spanish onions have large, round bulbs with a smooth white skin. The flesh is firm, crunchy, and juicy, offering a refreshing, mild sweetness.
• Flavor Profile: Mildly sweet, with a crisp texture, perfect for fresh eating or adding to dishes without overwhelming other flavors.
• Growth Habit: This long-day onion variety thrives in areas with long daylight hours, typically producing large, globe-shaped bulbs.
• Size: The bulbs can reach up to 4–5 inches in diameter, providing plenty of onion to harvest.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Planting Time: Plant White Sweet Spanish onion seeds in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. This long-day variety requires long daylight hours for optimal bulb development.
• Temperature: This onion grows best in temperatures ranging from 55°F–75°F (13°C–24°C) during the growing season.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in well-drained, fertile soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 4–6 inches apart in rows about 12–18 inches apart to allow for proper bulb development.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers loamy, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0–7.5. Ensure the soil is fertile by adding compost or organic matter.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun to thrive, as long daylight hours are essential for bulb formation.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Onions require about 1 inch of water per week, especially during dry spells.
• Water Deeply: Water deeply to encourage strong root growth and promote larger bulb development.

Fertilization

• Nutrient Needs: Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time and again when plants reach about 6 inches tall for optimal growth and bulb formation.
• Soil Enrichment: Enrich the soil with compost to ensure a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season.

Weeding and Mulching

• Weeding: Keep the garden bed free from weeds, as they compete with the onions for nutrients and space. Be gentle when weeding around onions to avoid damaging the shallow roots.
• Mulching: Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and keep the soil temperature stable.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for onion pests such as thrips, aphids, and onion maggots. Row covers can help protect plants, and insecticidal soap can be used to control infestations.
• Diseases: This variety is susceptible to fungal diseases such as downy mildew. Rotate crops annually and practice good garden hygiene to minimize disease risk.

Harvesting

• Maturity: White Sweet Spanish onions are typically ready to harvest in 100–120 days, depending on the growing conditions.
• Harvesting Size: Harvest when the bulbs are fully mature, usually when they reach 4–5 inches in diameter. The tops of the plants will begin to yellow and fall over when the onions are ready for harvesting.
• Method: Carefully pull up the onions or use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the bulbs before lifting them out of the ground. Allow them to cure for 1–2 weeks in a warm, dry place before storing.

Storage

• Short-Term Storage: Store harvested White Sweet Spanish onions in a cool, dry place for 2–3 weeks.
• Long-Term Storage: For longer-term storage, cure the onions properly and store them in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. These onions can last for several months if stored correctly.

Culinary Uses

• Salads and Sandwiches: Add thinly sliced raw White Sweet Spanish onions to salads or sandwiches for a refreshing, crisp texture and mild sweetness.
• Salsas and Dips: These onions are perfect for fresh salsas, guacamole, and other dips, offering a sweet contrast to the other ingredients.
• Grilled or Roasted: These onions caramelize beautifully when grilled or roasted, adding a deep sweetness to your favorite dishes.
• Pickling: White Sweet Spanish onions are great for pickling due to their mild flavor and crisp texture.

Conclusion

White Sweet Spanish onions are a highly versatile, mild-flavored variety that can be used in a wide range of dishes. Their large size, high yield, and ability to store well make them a favorite for home gardeners and commercial growers alike. Whether used fresh in salads, sandwiches, or salsas, or cooked in various savory dishes, these onions add a mild, sweet flavor that enhances any meal.