Onion Seeds, Violet De Galmi

star-filled
3.7
6 Reviews
Sku:
#ON117
Min. seed count:
300
$4.00

Description

(Allium cepa). Short day. The Galmi onion comes from the village of Galmi, a small community in the Ader Valley of southeast Niger. It is here where this flavorful onion was developed and is believed to have been grown, selected, and passed down for over 100 years. It is now a popular onion in several other African countries as well. The flat, thick bulbs are of good quality and are a beautiful pinkish-purple color; it also keeps well, making it a perfect choice.

  • 105-110 days to maturity
  • 6-12 hours of full 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

Violet de Galmi onions flourish in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to enhance soil fertility. Select a planting site that receives full sun. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent rot. Mulching can also help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

When to Grow

Start Violet de Galmi 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 frost, as onions can tolerate light frosts. As a short-day onion, Violet de Galmi is perfectly suited for the short days in the South.

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 around 60 F. Space seedlings 4-6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart to give the bulbs enough room to develop.

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 also important, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging. Interplanting with cabbage relatives can be beneficial, as sulfur compounds from onions may deter pests.

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 Violet de Galmi onions tolerate hot climates?
Yes, this variety is well-adapted to hot climates, originating from Niger, West Africa, where it has been cultivated for over a century.

How do Violet de Galmi onions taste?
These onions have a strong, pungent flavor, making them ideal for dishes that require a strong onion presence.

Are Violet de Galmi onions suitable for container gardening?
Yes, they can be grown in containers with a soil depth of at least 7 inches if they receive full sun and consistent moisture.

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, Violet De Galmi
star-filled
3.7
Customer reviews (6)

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