The Best Long Day Red Onion Varieties for Growing Big, Beautiful Bulbs

For home gardeners in northern climates, long day onions are the ideal choice Their growth habits are optimized for the 14+ hours of daylight during summer in these regions Of all the long day onion types, red onions offer the most vibrant color and zesty flavor. Let’s explore some of the top long day red onion varieties for growing big, beautiful bulbs.

An Overview of Long Day Onions

Long day onion varieties need 14-16 hours of sunlight per day to trigger bulb formation. This makes them suitable for planting in the northern half of the U.S. and Canada. Regions south of 35° latitude lack the required daylight hours for proper long day onion growth.

Long day onions are typically planted in early spring and harvested in late summer or early fall Common long day types include yellow, white and red onions Reds provide a splash of color and more pungent flavor compared to whites or yellows.

Top Long Day Red Onion Varieties

Here are some excellent long day red onion cultivars to grow in your garden:

Red Wing

• Medium to large round red bulbs
• Sweet mild taste
• Stores well up to 5 months
• Resistant to pink root disease

Red Bull

• Uniform deep red medium-sized bulbs
• High yield potential
• Stores 3-4 months
• Good for southern zones as “intermediate day” onion

Red Baron

• Large 4-5 inch bulbs
• Deep red color
• Mildly pungent flavor
• Stores well up to 4 months

Cabernet

• Dark red glossy skin
• Sweet juicy flesh
• Stores well for 2-3 months
• Resists bolting and splitting

Red Comet

• Small to medium bulbs
• Beautiful glossy deep red color
• Medium pungency
• Stores up to 2 months

Rossa Lunga di Firenze

• Italian heirloom with elongated torpedo shape
• Mild sweet flavor
• Stores well for 2-3 months
• Prone to bolting in warmer zones

Red of Florence

• Italian heirloom dating back to 1865
• Large 4-6′′ bulbs
• Purplish-red skin and pink rings when sliced
• Sweet mild flavor
• Stores 2-3 months

Growing Conditions for Long Day Red Onions

Most long day onions thrive in full sun and well-drained fertile soil. Add compost or aged manure before planting to enrich the soil. Space onion sets 1-2 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart.

Water onion plants regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during bulb formation. Applying mulch helps retain soil moisture. Side dress with a nitrogen fertilizer a few weeks after transplant and again when bulbs start swelling.

Harvesting and Storing Long Day Red Onions

Onions should be harvested when about half of the plant has toppled over and the bulbs feel firm. Loosen the bulbs with a garden fork rather than pulling by hand to avoid damaging them.

Cure harvested onions in a warm dry place for 1-2 weeks before trimming roots and stems. Then store cured onions in a cool dark location with plenty of air circulation. Most long day reds will keep for 2-4 months if properly cured and stored.

With their vivid color and tangy flavor, long day red onions make a delicious addition to any northern vegetable garden. Try growing a few of these top-rated varieties this season for big, beautiful bulbs!

Other Notable Long Day Red Onion Varieties

Here are a few other long day red onion cultivars that are worth considering:

• Red Zeppelin – Large, mild red bulbs good for slicing
• Red Mate – Uniform deep red bulbs, stores up to 5 months
• Red Candy Apple – Very sweet, almost candy-like flavor
• Red Burgermaster – Flattened shape good for burgers and sandwiches
• Burgundy – Heirloom dating back to 1885, mild taste
• Red Marble – Marbled interior coloring, stores well
• Red Creole – Spicy flavor good for Cajun cooking
• Red Express – Early maturing, small to medium bulbs
• Red Torpedo – Elongated Italian heirloom, mild and sweet

With so many excellent long day red onions to choose from, every gardener can find one or more varieties suited to their climate, cooking needs, and personal preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Long Day Red Onions

What are the best storing long day red onion varieties?

Some of the best storing long day red onions include Red Wing, Red Mate, Red Bull, and Red Marble. Proper curing and storage conditions are also key to maximizing shelf life.

How long do long day red onions store?

Most long day red onions will store for 2-4 months if cured and stored properly in a cool, dry location with good air flow. Some varieties like Red Wing can store for up to 5 months.

Can you grow long day onions in the South?

Long day onions are not recommended for southern regions as they require 14+ daylight hours to bulb properly. Short day or intermediate day onions are better choices for southern gardens.

When should you harvest long day red onions?

Long day red onions should be harvested when about half the tops have fallen over and the bulbs feel firm and well-sized. Avoid harvesting too early or the bulbs won’t reach full size.

Do long day red onions need to be cured before storage?

Yes, curing is essential for proper storage of long day red onions. Cure bulbs for 1-2 weeks in a warm, dry spot before trimming tops and roots and moving to storage.

With their captivating color and flavor, long day red onions bring a special charm to northern vegetable gardens. Try growing a few of these recommended varieties this season to add zest and beauty to your garden and cuisine.