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Varieties of Onion Stalks

The onion is a cool-season vegetable that grows well in most of temperate North America. When first planted, its growth is concentrated in the roots and stalks. Bulb formation begins when a specific combination of daylight, darkness and temperature is reached. Each variety has its own bulb production needs and is planted when and where the growing season meets the onion's growth requirements. Onions are classified short, intermediate or long day varieties.

  1. Onion Size

    • The mature onion bulb's size is directly related to the size and number of leaves on the stalk. For each leaf, there is a corresponding ring in the onion bulb. The larger the leaf, the thicker the ring. Daylight hours are crucial to developing onion stalks. Onions planted too early or too late in the season or in the wrong climate fail to reach maturity and bulb adequately.

    Short Day Onions

    • Short day onions do well in the Southern states where temperatures remain warm year-round. These onions begin making bulbs early in the year when there are only 10 to 12 hours of daylight. Short day onions are high in water content and do not store as well as other varieties. Eat them fresh. Short day varieties include Texas Super Sweet, Yellow Granex (Vidalia), White Granex (Vidalia) and White Bermuda.

    Intermediate Day Onions

    • There must be 12 to 14 hours of daylight to trigger bulbing in intermediate varieties. These onions grow best in the central U.S. Varieties include the Sweet Red and the Cimarron. As its name suggests, the Sweet Red is popular for salads because of its color. Its capacity for storage is limited. The Cimarron has medium storage capacity and a slightly pungent flavor.

    Long Day Onions

    • The rings of the Spanish onion separate well and hold up in the deep fryer

      These onions grow better in Northern states where long summer days provide 14 to 16 hours of daylight. The long day onions are characteristically stronger tasting than short day varieties. Storage is better with these onions due to their dry, fibrous consistency. Long day onions include the Walla Walla, White or Yellow Spanish, and First Edition. The Walla Walla is a sweet, yellow onion with large bulbs. Spanish onions make onion rings and the First Edition is best for long-term storage.

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Vegetable Garden
  1. When to Sow Onion Seeds?
  2. Growing Sweet Onions in Ohio
  3. Planting Egyptian Onion in Spring
  4. When to Plant Onions & Garlic
  5. Onion Sets or Slips?
  6. Onion Varieties and Their Uses
  7. Onion Growth Stages & Germination
  8. Varieties of Intermediate Day Onions
  9. Varieties of Large Onions
  10. Bunching Onion Varieties
  11. Candy Onion Plants
  12. Growing Onions Inside

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