Onion Seeds (Short Day) - White Grano

White Grano is a short-day onion variety prized for its crisp, mild, and sweet flavor. With its smooth white skin and firm texture, it is perfect for fresh uses like salads and salsas. White Grano onions are known for their early maturation, making them an excellent choice for gardeners in southern and warmer climates where short-day onions thrive. This variety also offers good disease resistance and yields uniform, high-quality bulbs.

Key Benefits

• Mild and Sweet Flavor: Known for their mild, sweet flavor, White Grano onions are perfect for raw consumption in salads, salsas, and sandwiches.
• Early Maturity: As a short-day variety, these onions mature early, typically in about 90–100 days, making them ideal for regions with shorter growing seasons.
• High Yield: White Grano onions produce a high yield of uniform, medium-sized bulbs that are perfect for both home gardeners and market growers.
• Versatile in the Kitchen: Ideal for a variety of culinary uses, including fresh, pickled, grilled, or sautéed.
• Disease Resistance: White Grano onions are relatively resistant to common onion diseases like downy mildew and onion maggot, reducing the risk of crop loss.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: White Grano onions grow with an upright form, producing smooth, white-skinned bulbs with firm, crisp flesh. The green tops are tall and robust.
• Flavor Profile: Mild, sweet, and crisp, perfect for fresh applications or gentle cooking.
• Growth Habit: Grows in a compact, bunching form with minimal bulbing pressure, resulting in uniform-sized onions.
• Size: Typically matures to a medium size, with bulbs reaching about 3–4 inches in diameter.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Planting Time: Ideal for planting in early spring, about 6–8 weeks before the last frost date.
• Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 50°F–75°F (10°C–24°C) and thrives in regions with short days during the growing season.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-drained soil.
• Spacing: Space the seeds about 4–6 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart to ensure adequate airflow and room for growth.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers fertile, loamy, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
• Sunlight: Full sun is essential for the development of bulbs and proper growth.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Onions require about 1 inch of water per week to grow well.
• Deep Watering: Water deeply to promote strong root development, especially during dry spells.

Fertilization

• Nutrient Requirements: Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time, and again when the onions are about 6 inches tall to support healthy bulb growth.
• Soil Enrichment: Incorporate organic matter such as compost to maintain soil fertility and promote healthy growth.

Weeding and Mulching

• Weeding: Keep the planting area weed-free to avoid competition for nutrients and water. Be careful not to disturb the shallow roots when weeding.
• Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and help maintain consistent soil temperatures.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Monitor for onion maggots, thrips, and aphids. Use row covers or insecticidal soap as needed to control pests.
• Diseases: White Grano onions are resistant to many common diseases but can still be affected by fungal issues like downy mildew. Rotate crops and practice good garden hygiene to prevent fungal growth.

Harvesting

• Maturity: White Grano onions mature in approximately 90–100 days, depending on growing conditions.
• Harvesting Size: Harvest when the bulbs have reached 3–4 inches in diameter and the tops begin to yellow and fall over.
• Method: Pull the onions by hand or use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the base before lifting. Allow the bulbs to cure in a cool, dry place for a few days before storage.

Storage

• Short-Term Storage: Store harvested onions in a cool, dry place for up to 1–2 months.
• Long-Term Storage: Once cured, White Grano onions can be stored for several months in a cool, well-ventilated area. For longer-term preservation, they can also be pickled or frozen.

Culinary Uses

• Raw: Perfect for fresh uses like salads, sandwiches, and salsas due to their mild flavor.
• Grilled or Roasted: Grilled or roasted White Grano onions develop a sweet, savory flavor, making them a great addition to grilled meats and vegetables.
• Sautéed: These onions sauté well, adding sweetness and depth to dishes like stir-fries and soups.
• Pickled: White Grano onions are ideal for pickling, offering a mild taste that complements a variety of pickling spices.

Conclusion

White Grano onions are an excellent choice for gardeners in short-day regions, offering mild, sweet flavor and reliable yields. Their early maturation, disease resistance, and versatility in the kitchen make them a must-have for home gardeners and market growers alike. Whether used fresh in salads or as a cooked ingredient, White Grano onions add a touch of sweetness and crispness to any dish.