Onion Seeds (Long Day) - Yellow Sweet Spanish

The Yellow Sweet Spanish onion is a popular variety known for its large, round shape and sweet, mild flavor. As a long-day onion, it requires longer daylight hours to thrive, making it ideal for gardeners in northern climates. These onions grow to a substantial size and have a smooth, yellow skin, perfect for a range of culinary applications from salads to grilled dishes.

Key Benefits

• Mild and Sweet Flavor: Known for its sweet taste with a mild onion flavor, making it a favorite for raw and cooked dishes.
• Large, Round Bulbs: Produces large onions with smooth, yellow skin and a crisp, firm texture.
• Ideal for Northern Climates: A long-day variety that requires extended daylight to develop, making it perfect for regions with longer summers.
• High Yield: Grows well in a variety of soils, producing a high yield of large, uniform bulbs.
• Versatile Culinary Uses: Great for raw consumption in salads or sandwiches, or for cooking in soups, stews, and roasted dishes.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Round bulbs with yellow skin and firm, white flesh.
• Flavor Profile: Mild, sweet flavor with a subtle onion taste, not overpowering like other onion varieties.
• Growth Habit: Produces tall, sturdy green tops that can reach up to 24 inches before the bulbs mature.
• Size: Bulbs typically grow to 3–5 inches in diameter.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

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

Planting Details

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

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the bulb development 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 the bulbs start to form.

Weeding and Mulching

• Keep the area around the onions weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients.
• Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for onion flies, aphids, and thrips. Use row covers or insecticidal soap as needed.
• Diseases: Onions can be affected by downy mildew, fungal rot, and onion rust. Practice crop rotation and maintain good garden hygiene.

Harvesting

Maturity

• Yellow Sweet Spanish onions are ready to harvest in 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 from the soil or use a fork to loosen the bulbs. Allow them to cure in a warm, dry place for 1–2 weeks before storing.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store cured onions in a cool, dry place for up to 1–2 months.
• Long-Term: For long-term storage, keep onions in a well-ventilated area with low humidity to prevent mold and sprouting.

Culinary Uses

• Raw: Perfect for adding to salads, sandwiches, and salsas for a mild, sweet onion flavor.
• Roasted: Slice and roast onions with olive oil and herbs for a delicious side dish.
• Grilled: Excellent for grilling and caramelizing, enhancing their sweetness.
• Soups and Stews: Adds a gentle, sweet flavor to soups, stews, and stir-fries.

Conclusion
The Yellow Sweet Spanish onion is a must-have for gardeners looking for a large, sweet, and versatile onion variety. Its mild flavor and high yield make it perfect for home gardens, particularly in regions with longer daylight hours. Whether used raw, roasted, or in savory dishes, these onions will elevate