Onion Seeds (Short Day) - Texas Early Grano

The Texas Early Grano onion is a highly sought-after short-day onion variety, known for its large, sweet, and mild flavor. Ideal for regions with warmer climates and shorter daylight hours, this onion variety produces early harvests and offers an abundant yield. With its smooth, golden-brown skin and crisp, mild-flavored flesh, it is perfect for both culinary use and storage. Texas Early Grano onions are perfect for salads, salsas, and cooking, offering a subtle sweetness that complements a variety of dishes.

Key Benefits

• Mild, Sweet Flavor: Known for its incredibly sweet and mild taste, making it perfect for raw consumption in salads, salsas, and sandwiches.
• Early Harvest: This variety matures quickly, making it ideal for growers who want an early harvest, typically within 90–100 days.
• Large Bulbs: Texas Early Grano produces large, round bulbs with smooth, golden-brown skins and firm, juicy white flesh.
• Adapted for Warm Climates: This short-day variety is particularly suited for warmer climates with shorter daylight hours.
• Great Storage: After harvesting, these onions store well and can last several months when cured and stored in a cool, dry place.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Texas Early Grano onions have large, globe-shaped bulbs with smooth, golden-brown skins. The white flesh is crisp, juicy, and sweet.
• Flavor Profile: Sweet, mild flavor that is perfect for both raw and cooked dishes.
• Growth Habit: This variety produces early bulbs with a relatively quick turnaround time, making it suitable for regions with mild winters.
• Size: Texas Early Grano onions can grow to 3–4 inches in diameter, producing larger bulbs compared to many other short-day varieties.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Planting Time: Texas Early Grano onions should be planted in early spring or late winter for regions with milder climates. This short-day variety benefits from shorter daylight hours to initiate bulb formation.
• Temperature: Ideal growing temperatures range between 55°F–75°F (13°C–24°C).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep into well-drained, fertile soil.
• Spacing: Space onion plants 4–6 inches apart in rows about 12–18 inches apart.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers fertile, well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun to thrive but can tolerate partial shade in warmer climates.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Provide approximately 1 inch of water per week, ensuring the plants receive water at their roots.
• Water Deeply: Ensure a deep watering to promote strong root development and encourage larger bulb growth.

Fertilization

• Balanced Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting and again when the plants are 6–8 inches tall to support growth and bulb formation.
• Soil Enrichment: Incorporate compost or organic matter into the soil before planting for added nutrients.

Weeding and Mulching

• Weeding: Regularly remove weeds around onion plants, being cautious not to damage the shallow roots. Weeds can hinder onion growth by competing for nutrients.
• Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Onion maggots and thrips can be a concern for Texas Early Grano onions. Use row covers or insecticidal soap to help protect the plants from pests.
• Diseases: Keep an eye out for fungal diseases such as downy mildew and fungal rot. Rotate crops each year and maintain good garden hygiene to prevent disease buildup.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Texas Early Grano onions are typically ready to harvest in 90–100 days from planting.
• Harvesting Size: Harvest when the bulbs are large enough to use, typically when they reach 3–4 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 the onions by hand or use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the bulbs. Allow them to dry and cure in a cool, dry place for about 1–2 weeks before storing.

Storage

• Short-Term Storage: Store harvested onions in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Onions can be kept for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
• Long-Term Storage: For long-term storage, cure the onions properly and store them in a cool, dry, dark place with good air circulation. Texas Early Grano onions can last for several months when properly stored.

Culinary Uses

• Raw in Salads and Sandwiches: The sweet, mild flavor makes these onions ideal for raw consumption in fresh salads, sandwiches, and burgers.
• Salsas and Dips: Texas Early Grano onions add a subtle sweetness to fresh salsas and dips.
• Grilled or Roasted: Grill or roast these onions to bring out their natural sweetness, making a great addition to many savory dishes.
• Pickled: These onions are excellent when pickled, adding a sweet, tangy flavor to your favorite condiments.

Conclusion

Texas Early Grano onions are a top choice for gardeners in warmer climates looking for a mild, sweet onion variety. With their early harvest, high yield, and adaptability to short-day conditions, they are a reliable and versatile crop. Whether used raw in salads, grilled, or stored for later use, these onions will provide a refreshing, mild sweetness to your meals throughout the year.