Onion

Fehmel-Steig, Karmen, Gold Prince

Amaryllidaceae

Spacing9 per sq ft

Days to Harvest120d

Expected Yield9 bulbs

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Variety History

All three are long-day varieties correct for latitude 47 degrees N, bulbing when daylight exceeds ~14 hours in June. Fehmel-Steig is a Swiss storage onion; Karmen and Gold Prince are sweet red and yellow types.

Regional Context

Mid-April is late for bulb onions from seed in the PNW -- normal start is indoors in February. Expect small-to-medium bulbs. Save remaining seed for an indoor start next February for proper-sized bulbs.

Growing Technique

Direct sow 1/2 inch deep, 9 per sq ft. Keep consistently moist until bulbs start sizing, then reduce water as tops fall over. Shallow-rooted. When tops flop over naturally (August), harvest and cure in a shaded airy spot for 2-3 weeks before storing.

Watch For

Onion maggot can hit weak plants. Do not break over tops to force maturity -- it shortens storage life.