Wethersfield Red Onion on a white background.
Onion Seeds, Wethersfield Red
Wethersfield Red Onion with slices and dices.
Wethersfield Onion fresh from garden.
Wethersfield Onions growing in field.
Wethersfield Onions on marble countertop.
Wethersfield Onions in wooden box.
Wethersfield Red Onion on a white background.
Onion Seeds, Wethersfield Red
Wethersfield Red Onion with slices and dices.
Wethersfield Onion fresh from garden.
Wethersfield Onions growing in field.
Wethersfield Onions on marble countertop.
Wethersfield Onions in wooden box.

Onion Seeds,
Wethersfield Red

4.37 ReviewsSKU: #ON127Min. seed count: 300
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Description

(Allium cepa). Long day. This variety dates to the 1700s. Popular from New York to Bermuda, it brought much wealth to the onion growers of New England, as well as to the Yankee traders who sold shiploads of it. In its 1856 catalog, Comstock, Ferre and Co. said, "It is the kind mostly grown at Wethersfield. It grows to large size, deep red, thick, approaching to round shape, fine-grained, pleasant flavored, and very productive. It ripens in September and keeps well." It is a slightly flattened, deep blood-red onion of renowned quality. A true piece of horticultural Americana that deserves to be more widely grown.

Growing Tips: Wethersfield Red onions thrive in rich, well-draining soil. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to enhance soil fertility. Choose a planting site that receives full sun and keep the soil evenly moist. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season for better growth.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Allium cepa
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
6–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
100–120
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
4–6 in.
Ideal Temperature
45–80°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Start Wethersfield Red Onion seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last expected frost date in spring. Transplant acclimated, stocky seedlings into the garden 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost, as onions can tolerate light frosts. As a long-day onion, Wethersfield Red requires 14-16 hours of daylight to initiate bulbing, making it suitable for northern regions with longer summer days. If you’re not sure how to find your area's day length or first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed trays or pots filled with damp potting soil. Maintain a temperature of about 60 F, as onions prefer cooler temperatures. Once seedlings have developed 5-6 leaves and have been hardened off, transplant them into the garden, spacing them 4-6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.

How to Grow

Onions are sensitive to weed competition; therefore, keep the planting area weed-free by using straw mulch or hand weeding regularly. Regular watering is highly important, but be careful not to overwater. Interplanting with cabbage relatives can be beneficial, as sulfur compounds from onions may deter pests.

How to Save Seeds

  • Onions will cross with other onions, and occasionally they will cross with scallion types like Welsh onions and Hi Shi Ko bunching onions. Onions will never cross with leeks, chives or garlic.
  • If you are growing types that will cross, try to isolate varieties by at least several hundred feet or ideally up to one mile.
  • Onions are a biennial seed crop, so you will need to overwinter your first-year roots, ideally by digging them up and storing them for the winter. Replant in early spring, and allow onions to shoot up spikes of purple flowers.
  • Let seeds become dry on the plants. Pick seeds when they are hard and dark black, then bring them indoors to finish drying.
  • Once dry, separate the seeds from the husks or leave them on and plant them husks and all.

FAQ

How to use Wethersfield Red onions in the kitchen?

The bold flavor of this onion makes it ideal for caramelizing, adding to stews, or using raw in salads and sandwiches for a zesty kick.

How do I know when Wethersfield Red onions are ready to harvest?

Harvest when the tops of the plants start to yellow and fall over, usually in late summer or early fall, depending on your planting date.

How do I determine day length and first-last frost in my area?

Check out our blog post: Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources for links to online guides.

Can I grow Wethersfield Red onions in containers?

Yes, they can be grown in containers as long as the soil is rich, well-draining, and at least 10 inches deep.

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