Onion Seeds, Akatama Salad Red

star-filled
4.7
2 Reviews
Sku:
#ON107
Min. seed count:
300
$4.00

Description

(Allium cepa). Intermediate day. The name translates to Red Jewel, and this sweet red onion from Japan is celebrated for its mellow profile and noticeable lack of pungent flavor and odor. Its deep purple color continues through each layer. These plants reach 30 inches tall and the flattened, globe-shaped bulbs reach about 12 ounces on average. Excellent for raw eating or roasting.

  • 80 - 120 days to maturity
  • 6-12 hours of full to partial sun
  • Sprouts in 7-14 days
  • Seed Depth: 1/4"
  • Plant Spacing: 4-6"
  • Ideal Temperature: 45-80 F
  • Frost Hardy: Yes

Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs

Growing Tips

The Akatama Salad Red onion grows best in full sun and requires rich, moist, well-draining soil. Regular watering is important, especially during bulb formation. Onions do not compete well with weeds, so adding organic mulch can be helpful.

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors three months before the last expected frost date in spring. Transplant acclimated, stocky seedlings into the garden 4-6 weeks before the last frost of spring, as onions can tolerate light frosts. Akatama Salad Red onions are ideal for intermediate-day length regions but can also grow in other zones with proper timing. Look into your local frost-free dates for precise planting schedules.

How to Sow and Plant

Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting trays. Keep the temperature at around 60 F for good germination, which takes about 7-14 days. Transplant seedlings when they are 4-6 inches tall, spacing them 4-6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. You can enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting for better results.

How to Grow

Feed plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea, as onions are heavy feeders. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering to prevent rot. Remove weeds regularly and mulch around the plants to retain moisture. When the tops start to yellow and fall over, reduce watering to prepare for harvest.

How to Save
  • 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

Can Akatama Salad Red onions grow in containers?
Yes, they can be grown in containers, just ensure adequate depth and spacing.

What are Akatama Salad Red onions suitable for in cooking?
Their mild, sweet flavor makes them perfect for fresh salads and garnishes.

Do Akatama Salad Red onions store well?
They have a moderate storage life of 2-3 months when properly cured and stored.

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.

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Onion Seeds, Akatama Salad Red
star-filled
4.7
Customer reviews (2)

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