Onion Seeds (Short Day) - Red Burgundy

Red Burgundy onions are a vibrant, short-day onion variety that is loved for its rich, purple-red skin and sweet, mild flavor. Perfect for regions with shorter daylight hours, this variety is well-suited for warmer climates, offering gardeners a high-yielding, easy-to-grow option. Red Burgundy onions are a versatile crop that can be enjoyed in a variety of culinary applications, from fresh salads to grilled dishes.

Key Benefits

• Vibrant Color: The deep purple-red skin of Red Burgundy onions adds a beautiful pop of color to your garden and meals.
• Mild, Sweet Flavor: Known for their mild yet sweet taste, these onions are perfect for eating raw or in cooked dishes without being overpowering.
• Short Day Adaptation: Ideal for regions with shorter daylight hours, making them perfect for warmer climates with less daylight.
• Great for Fresh Use: Red Burgundy onions are ideal for fresh applications, such as in salads, salsas, and sandwiches.
• High Yield: Produces a substantial crop of round, uniform bulbs, providing excellent harvest potential.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Red Burgundy onions produce large, round bulbs with smooth, red skin and crisp, white flesh. The plants have sturdy green tops and require moderate space to grow.
• Flavor Profile: These onions offer a mild, sweet flavor that is perfect for raw applications, with a slight sharpness that balances well in many dishes.
• Growth Habit: A short-day variety, Red Burgundy onions thrive with 10–12 hours of daylight per day, making them suitable for warmer climates.
• Size: Typically grows to about 3–4 inches in diameter, with large, firm bulbs.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Planting Time: Plant Red Burgundy onions in early spring for a summer harvest or late fall for a late-winter harvest. Short-day onions require 10–12 hours of daylight for optimal growth.
• Ideal Temperature: These onions thrive in warmer temperatures, between 55°F–75°F (13°C–24°C).

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, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Sunlight: Full sun is essential for proper growth. Red Burgundy onions need moderate daylight (10–12 hours a day) to develop strong bulbs.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply, ensuring the soil around the roots remains hydrated.
• Watering Method: Water the base of the plants, avoiding overhead watering that could lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilization

• Balanced Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time and again when plants are about 6 inches tall.
• Soil Enrichment: Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting to improve soil fertility and promote healthy growth.

Weeding and Mulching

• Weeding: Keep the area free of weeds to avoid competition for nutrients and space. Be cautious when weeding around the onion bulbs to avoid damaging them.
• Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, reduce weed growth, and keep the soil temperature stable.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch out for pests such as aphids, thrips, and onion maggots. Use row covers or natural insect repellents like neem oil to protect the plants.
• Diseases: Red Burgundy onions can be affected by fungal diseases like downy mildew. Practice crop rotation, remove infected plant material, and ensure proper air circulation to reduce disease risks.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Red Burgundy onions reach maturity in about 90–100 days, depending on growing conditions.
• Harvesting Size: Harvest the onions when the tops begin to fall over and dry. The bulbs should reach about 3–4 inches in diameter.
• Method: Gently pull the onions out of the ground, or use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the bulbs before lifting them.

Storage

• Short-Term Storage: Fresh Red Burgundy onions can be kept in the refrigerator for 2–3 weeks if stored in a perforated plastic bag or container.
• Long-Term Storage: For longer storage, cure the onions by drying them in a well-ventilated area. Store them in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cellar, where they can last for several months.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh Dishes: The mild, sweet flavor of Red Burgundy onions makes them ideal for raw consumption in salads, sandwiches, and salsas.
• Grilled or Roasted: Slice and grill or roast Red Burgundy onions to complement grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
• Pickling: Red Burgundy onions are perfect for pickling due to their color and flavor, adding a tangy-sweet crunch to your favorite dishes.
• Soups and Stews: Use in soups or stews for a mild onion flavor that won’t overpower the dish.

Conclusion

Red Burgundy onions are an excellent choice for gardeners in warmer climates with shorter daylight hours. Their mild, sweet flavor, stunning color, and high yield make them a versatile crop that can be enjoyed in a variety of culinary applications. Whether eaten raw, grilled, or pickled, Red Burgundy onions bring both flavor and visual appeal to your garden and your kitchen. With proper care, these onions offer an easy-to-grow option for gardeners looking to add a touch of sweetness to their harvest.