Onion Seeds (Long Day) - Ruby Red

Ruby Red onions are a vibrant, flavorful variety known for their deep purple-red skin and crisp, sweet taste. As a long-day onion, Ruby Red thrives in regions with longer daylight hours, offering robust growth and large, uniform bulbs. These onions are perfect for gardeners looking to grow high-quality storage onions that can be used fresh or stored for winter use. With their stunning color and mild flavor, Ruby Red onions are a favorite for both culinary and ornamental purposes.

Key Benefits

• Vibrant Color: Ruby Red onions have a striking purple-red skin, adding a pop of color to your garden and dishes.
• Mild, Sweet Flavor: These onions offer a mild yet sweet flavor that makes them perfect for raw consumption in salads, sandwiches, and salsas.
• Long Storage Life: Ruby Red onions store well, maintaining their flavor and texture for several months, making them ideal for fall and winter harvests.
• High Yield: Known for their strong growth and large, round bulbs, Ruby Red onions provide an excellent yield for gardeners.
• Cold Tolerant: As a long-day variety, Ruby Red onions are well-suited for cooler climates with longer daylight periods.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Ruby Red onions form large, round bulbs with deep purple-red skin and white, crunchy flesh. The plants grow tall with thick green leaves.
• Flavor Profile: Mildly sweet, with a subtle sharpness that is not overpowering, making them suitable for a variety of dishes.
• Growth Habit: These onions are best suited to regions with long daylight hours and cooler growing conditions, producing larger, robust bulbs.
• Size: Ruby Red onions typically grow to about 3–4 inches in diameter, with large, firm bulbs.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Planting Time: Plant Ruby Red onion seeds in early spring or late fall for a late summer or fall harvest. Long-day onions require at least 14–16 hours of daylight to grow properly.
• Ideal Temperature: Ruby Red onions prefer cool temperatures and grow best between 50°F–75°F (10°C–24°C).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space seeds 4–6 inches apart, with rows 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 optimal growth. Ruby Red onions need long days of sunlight to develop properly.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply to encourage strong root development.
• Watering Method: Water around the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilization

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

Weeding and Mulching

• Weeding: Regularly weed around the onions to prevent competition for nutrients and space.
• Mulching: Use mulch around the plants to retain moisture, reduce weed growth, and keep the soil temperature stable.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Ruby Red onions are susceptible to pests like onion maggots and aphids. Use row covers or organic pest control options such as neem oil to protect the plants.
• Diseases: Watch for fungal diseases such as white rot or downy mildew. Rotate crops annually and practice good garden hygiene to minimize the risk of disease.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Ruby Red onions typically take 100–120 days to reach maturity, depending on growing conditions.
• Harvesting Size: Harvest the onions when the tops begin to fall over and dry out. The bulbs should reach 3–4 inches in diameter.
• Method: Gently pull the onions out of the soil or use a garden fork to lift them. Allow the onions to cure in a warm, dry area for several days to ensure they store well.

Storage

• Short-Term Storage: Fresh Ruby Red onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 weeks if kept in a perforated plastic bag.
• Long-Term Storage: Cure the onions by drying them in a well-ventilated area and then storing them in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cellar. They will keep for several months under the right conditions.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh Dishes: The mild sweetness of Ruby Red onions makes them perfect for raw consumption in salads, sandwiches, and salsas.
• Grilling and Roasting: Slice and grill or roast Ruby Red onions for a flavorful addition to steaks, burgers, or vegetable dishes.
• Pickling: Their vibrant color and mild flavor make them ideal for pickling.
• Caramelizing: Ruby Red onions caramelize beautifully, adding a rich sweetness to soups, stews, and roasted dishes.

Conclusion

Ruby Red onions are a fantastic addition to any garden, especially for those in regions with long daylight hours. Known for their vibrant color, mild flavor, and excellent storage capabilities, they are perfect for a variety of culinary uses. Whether eaten raw, grilled, or caramelized, Ruby Red onions bring both beauty and flavor to your dishes. Their high yield and ability to store well make them an essential crop for gardeners looking to enjoy fresh, sweet onions throughout the year.