Onion Seeds (Short Day) - Yellow Granex

Yellow Granex is a short-day onion variety known for its mild, sweet flavor and smooth, golden-yellow skin. This onion is a favorite among gardeners who want to grow sweet, tender onions that mature early in the season. It’s a perfect choice for southern and warmer regions where the growing season is longer and can be enjoyed fresh in salads, salsas, or as a cooking ingredient.

Key Benefits

• Mild and Sweet Flavor: Yellow Granex onions are prized for their sweet, mild taste, making them ideal for raw consumption in salads, sandwiches, and salsas.
• Early Maturity: As a short-day variety, Yellow Granex onions are well-suited for regions with shorter daylight hours during the growing season, maturing quickly in about 100–120 days.
• High Yield: Known for producing high yields of large, uniform bulbs that store well for use throughout the season.
• Versatile in the Kitchen: Perfect for a variety of culinary applications, including grilling, caramelizing, or using fresh in dishes.
• Disease Resistance: This variety is resistant to common onion diseases like downy mildew and onion maggot, making it a more resilient option for the garden.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Yellow Granex onions produce large, round bulbs with a smooth, golden-yellow skin and mild, juicy flesh. The plants have a compact, upright growth habit with long, green tops.
• Flavor Profile: Sweet and mild, with a subtle onion taste that’s perfect for fresh applications or gentle cooking.
• Growth Habit: Grows in a compact bunching form with minimal bulbing pressure, producing uniform-sized onions.
• Size: Typically matures to a medium to large size, with bulbs reaching 3–4 inches in diameter.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Planting Time: Yellow Granex is ideal for planting in early spring, around 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
• Ideal Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 50°F–75°F (10°C–24°C), with the best growth occurring during the early part of the growing season.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in well-drained soil.
• Spacing: Space the seeds 4–6 inches apart, with rows 12–18 inches apart to allow for proper growth and airflow.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers loamy, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Enriching the soil with organic matter will promote healthy growth.
• Sunlight: Full sun is essential for optimal growth, as Yellow Granex onions require long days to form bulbs.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season, but avoid waterlogging, as onions don’t like soggy soil.
• Watering Frequency: Provide about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting based on weather conditions.

Fertilization

• Nutrient Requirements: Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting and again when the onions are about 6 inches tall to encourage healthy growth.
• Soil Health: Apply organic matter, such as compost, to maintain soil fertility and promote robust root systems.

Weeding and Mulching

• Weeding: Keep the area around the onions weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients and moisture.
• Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a stable soil temperature.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for pests like onion maggots, aphids, and thrips. Use row covers or organic insecticidal soaps as needed to protect your crop.
• Diseases: Yellow Granex onions are relatively disease-resistant but can be affected by fungal diseases such as downy mildew. Rotate crops and maintain good garden hygiene to prevent issues.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Yellow Granex onions are typically ready to harvest in 100–120 days, depending on the growing conditions.
• Harvesting Size: Harvest when the bulbs are large enough for your needs, typically when they reach 3–4 inches in diameter.
• Method: Gently pull up the onions or use a fork to loosen the soil around the base. Allow the bulbs to cure for a few days in a cool, dry place before storing.

Storage

• Short-Term Storage: Freshly harvested onions can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 1–2 months.
• Long-Term Storage: Once cured, Yellow Granex onions can be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area for several months. Use them as needed or preserve them through pickling or freezing.

Culinary Uses

• Raw Applications: Yellow Granex onions are perfect for fresh dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, salsas, and garnishes.
• Grilled or Roasted: These onions caramelize beautifully when grilled or roasted, adding a sweet, rich flavor to meats and vegetables.
• Soups and Stews: Use them in soups and stews to add a sweet, mild onion flavor without overpowering other ingredients.
• Sautéed Dishes: Yellow Granex onions are ideal for sautéing, giving dishes a mild, sweet undertone.

Conclusion

Yellow Granex onions are a fantastic choice for southern and short-day growing regions, offering a sweet, mild flavor that’s perfect for fresh use or cooking. Their early maturity, high yield, and resilience to pests and diseases make them a reliable and rewarding crop for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether used in salads, sandwiches, or cooking, these onions add a delightful sweetness to any dish, making them a must-have for your garden.