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Ecologically grown open-pollinated heirloom seeds; not certified organicAmaryllidaceae

‘Rossa Lunga di Tropea’ onion, ecologically grown seeds

Name: ‘Rossa Lunga di Tropea’ onion, ecologically grown seeds ( Allium cepa )
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Allium cepa

Product code : GAIAS-0249

Italian torpedo onion with glossy maroon skin, pale interior, and sweet mild flavour. Ecological heirloom; maturity in 110 days. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

‘Rossa Lunga di Tropea’ onion, ecologically grown seeds (Allium cepa) This Italian heirloom torpedo onion, whose name means “Long Red of Tropea,” produces elongated bulbs with thin glossy maroon skin and a paler interior. Its sweet mild flavour suits raw rings, grilling, braising, and autumn dishes. The packet contains approximately 100 ecologically grown seeds; Gaia does not identify them as certified organic. This is a biennial open-pollinated variety, generally grown for bulbs during its first season. Kew recognizes Allium cepa as the accepted botanical name in the Amaryllidaceae family and confirms its use as food. The green leaves are also edible. Its elongated form makes it particularly easy to slice into even attractive rings.

Start seed indoors 10 to 12 weeks before transplanting. Sow 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep and maintain the medium at 7 to 32°C, preferably around 20 to 25°C; germination generally takes 6 to 12 days. When seedlings reach approximately 5 inches, trim the leaves to 1 inch to encourage thicker growth. Harden plants gradually before transplanting. Space them 3 to 4 inches apart for medium bulbs or 4 to 6 inches for large bulbs, with 18 to 30 inches between rows. Plant in full sun and loose fertile well-drained soil, then maintain even moisture while bulbs develop. Keep the bed weeded because young onions compete poorly with dense growth.

Maturity occurs after approximately 110 days. Harvest storage bulbs when the foliage dries and falls over naturally. Lift them gently during dry weather, then cure in the field for 3 to 5 days when conditions permit. Gaia also describes curing under cover at 23 to 26°C and approximately 80% humidity. Cool and dry bulbs gradually to extend dormancy. Store only sound firm fully cured onions in a dark well-ventilated place at 0 to 1°C and 65 to 70% relative humidity. Use damaged bulbs or bulbs with thick necks first because they do not store as long. Inspect stored onions regularly and remove any bulb showing softening or decay.

Uses in the garden

Plant in orderly rows in a sunny garden or deep planter. Adjust spacing for the desired bulb size and keep rows weeded. Elongated bulbs use less width than many round varieties and are easy to lift when tops fall over. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

01 How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains approximately 100 ecologically grown seeds. Gaia does not identify them as certified organic. The variety is a biennial open-pollinated heirloom. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

02 How should the seeds be started?

Sow 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep, 10 to 12 weeks before transplanting. When seedlings reach 5 inches, trim leaves to 1 inch. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth.

03 How long does germination take?

Germination generally takes 6 to 12 days at 7 to 32°C, preferably around 20 to 25°C. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

04 How should planting be organized?

Space plants 3 to 4 inches apart for medium bulbs or 4 to 6 inches for large bulbs, with 18 to 30 inches between rows. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth.

05 When should it be harvested?

Harvest near 110 days when tops dry and fall over. Cure bulbs for 3 to 5 days, then store at 0 to 1°C and 65 to 70% humidity. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth.