Allium cepa

Heirloom. Short day, medium maturing, red onion. Although a little paler than other red onions, its slightly flattened globe is still very attractive. It is an excellent keeper and will store for up to 7 months. Due to the fact that it is well adapted and easy to grow in a variety of conditions, Red Creole is great for beginner gardeners and those that like low maintenance gardens. It produces well and has a good tolerance to pink root.

Most researchers agree that the onion has been cultivated for 5000 years or more in various regions. They were worshipped by the Egyptians, and celebrated in India as a medicine. The Red Creole onion was originally developed by the Dessert Seed Company in El Centro, California. It was released to the market in 1962. Since then it has become a popular onion.

Red creole is not as sweet as other onions and has a more pungent flavour. It is spicy and excellent for cooking. Use the onions raw in salads and salsa for a crisp, colourful bite. You can also use them for grilling, frying, roasting, pickling, chutney, sautés and-fries, basically any savory dish. The greens can also be cooked with green pumpkin for great flavour. Raw onions are also a natural antibiotic. Raw onions also clean the liver and helps lower blood cholesterol. Onions are high in Vitamins, B1, B6, C and K, folic acid, calcium and phosphorus as well as organic sulphur. Onions can also be dried and saved for later use.

Plant in full sun. These short day onions are very day length sensitive and shade will dramatically slow growth. In South Africa these onions will do best in the region from Bloemfontein northward to Musina. They require at least 10-12 hour days for bulbs to form. Soils must be well drained and rich in organic matter. Water regularly, but do not overwater. Also make sure that the soil is not too acidic, as onions, especially during early growth stages, cannot tolerate it. High levels of sulphur in the soil will increase pungency. For fresh eating, onions can be harvested whenever they reach desired size. Storage onions can be harvested when tops dry up and flop over. Pull bulbs from ground and cure inside a shed or greenhouse with good ventilation to cure for 2-4 weeks. About 250-220 days to maturity.

Coastal Areas:            Feb-Mar

Inland Areas:               Feb-Mar

Subtropical Areas:      Feb-Mar

Standard packet contains approx. 400 seeds

Petite packet contains approx. 130 seeds