Onion Seeds (Pearl/Pickling) - Crystal White Wax

Crystal White Wax onions, also known as pearl onions, are a small, white variety prized for their mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture. Perfect for pickling, garnishing, or adding a gourmet touch to roasts and stews, these onions are a favorite among chefs and gardeners alike. Their smooth, glossy white skin and compact size make them as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Key Benefits

• Mild, Sweet Flavor: Offers a gentle, sweet taste with a tender texture, perfect for fresh or pickled uses.
• Compact Size: Produces small, round onions ideal for pickling, garnishing, or adding to soups and stews.
• Fast Maturity: A quick-growing variety that can be harvested in as little as 60–90 days.
• Great for Pickling: Their size and flavor make them a top choice for pickling recipes.
• Versatile Culinary Use: Adds elegance to dishes, whether roasted, sautéed, or served whole.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Small, round bulbs with smooth, glossy white skin and tender flesh.
• Flavor Profile: Mildly sweet with a subtle onion flavor that enhances both raw and cooked dishes.
• Growth Habit: Grows in compact clusters, producing uniform, small onions.
• Size: Bulbs typically grow to 1–1.5 inches in diameter, making them perfect for pickling.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Crystal White Wax onions are best planted in early spring or late summer for cool-season growth.
• Ideal for regions with mild winters or cooler growing conditions.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-prepared soil.
• Spacing: Space seeds or plants 1–2 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0–7.0. Loamy or sandy soils work best.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun for at least 12–14 hours per day to develop properly.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering. Crystal White Wax onions require about 1 inch of water per week.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time and again when the bulbs begin to swell for best results.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly remove weeds to reduce competition for nutrients.
• Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Look out for aphids, thrips, and onion maggots. Protect plants with row covers or apply organic pest control solutions.
• Diseases: Prevent fungal diseases like downy mildew by ensuring proper spacing, rotating crops, and practicing good garden hygiene.

Harvesting

Maturity

• Crystal White Wax onions are ready to harvest in 60–90 days after planting.
• Size: Harvest when bulbs are uniform and reach 1–1.5 inches in diameter.

Method

• Gently pull the onions from the soil or loosen them with a garden fork.
• Allow the onions to cure in a warm, dry place for 1–2 days if storing fresh or prepare immediately for pickling.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store fresh onions in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Long-Term: Preserve onions through pickling or freezing for extended use.

Culinary Uses

• Pickled: The go-to choice for pickling, these onions create a tangy, gourmet condiment.
• Roasted: Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, making them a perfect side dish.
• Sautéed: Use in stir-fries, stews, or casseroles for a mild, flavorful addition.
• Garnishing: Their small, elegant size makes them ideal for garnishing roasts or cocktails.

Conclusion

Crystal White Wax onions are a must-have for gardeners seeking a versatile, gourmet-quality onion. Their small size, mild flavor, and quick growth make them a fantastic choice for pickling, roasting, or enhancing a variety of dishes. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these pearl onions are sure to impress in both the garden and the kitchen.