Name: 'Rossa Lunga di Tropea' onion Seeds
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

open-pollinated heirloom seeds; certified organic Amaryllidaceae

Gaia

Allium cepa

From seed to harvest

HeirloomOpen-pollinated

Common nameRossa Lunga di Tropea onion; Italian torpedo onion

FamilyAmaryllidaceae

GenusAllium

Speciescepa

CultivarRossa Lunga di Tropea

Typeopen-pollinated heirloom seeds; certified organic

Botanical nameAllium cepa

Reproducible seedsYes

Heirloom varietytrue

Quantity per packetApproximately 100 seeds

'Rossa Lunga di Tropea' onion 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 organic 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. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

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. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated. For indoor seed starting, count back from local conditions and frost dates to decide when to start indoor seeds.

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.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Biennial grown mainly for first-year bulbs
Hardiness: Hardy biennial grown as a vegetable; stated cold tolerance to approximately −12°C

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

3 to 6 mm (1/8 to 1/4 in)

Spacing / density

7.5 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) for medium bulbs or 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) for large bulbs; rows 46 to 76 cm (18 to 30 in) apart

Germination temperature

7 to 32 °C (44.6 to 89.6 °F); ideally around 20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F).

Germination time

6 to 12 days

Sowing period

Start indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the planned transplanting date.

Propagation

Seed propagation; open-pollinated variety

Growing method

For Rossa Lunga di Tropea onion; Italian torpedo onion, follow these sowing and growing guidelines for the variety. Sow 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep in moist medium maintained preferably at 20 to 25°C, 10 to 12 weeks before transplanting. Emergence occurs in 6 to 12 days. Move seedlings into bright light immediately. When they reach approximately 5 inches, trim the leaves to 1 inch to encourage thicker growth. Harden them gradually, then plant 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. 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. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral, approximately 6.0 to 7.0

Minimum temperature

Gaia states cold tolerance to approximately −12°C for established plants

Care level

Moderate

Watering

Maintain even moisture during growth and bulb formation without saturating the soil. Reduce watering when tops begin to 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.

Soil type

Loose fertile soil rich in organic matter and well drained 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.

Fertilization

Incorporate mature compost before planting and feed moderately, avoiding excess late nitrogen that delays maturity. 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.

Seasonal care

For Rossa Lunga di Tropea onion; Italian torpedo onion, adjust seasonal care to the plant’s actual growth cycle. Keep rows weeded because young onions compete poorly. Water regularly until maturity begins, then reduce moisture as tops fall over. Monitor thrips and onion maggot. Harvest during dry weather and cure bulbs fully before storage. 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. Inspect foliage, stems, and leaf undersides regularly so stress or pests can be addressed early. Feed moderately according to soil fertility; steady growth is preferable to excessive or unbalanced fertilizer applications.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

Planter at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches deep; 7.5 to 15 cm (3 to 6 inches between plants according to desired bulb size

Growing Rossa Lunga di Tropea onion; Italian torpedo onion in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. Container growing is possible in a planter at least 10 to 12 inches deep with effective drainage and adequate bulb spacing. 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. Inspect foliage, stems, and leaf undersides regularly so stress or pests can be addressed early.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

Approximately 46 to 61 cm (18 to 24 in)

Width / spread

Approximately 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in)

Foliage color

Blue-green to green

Foliage type

Hollow cylindrical upright leaves

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Upright with hollow leaves and an elongated bulb

Edible parts

Bulbs and young green leaves

Fruiting

Elongated glossy maroon bulbs with thin skin and a paler interior 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.

Days to maturity

Approximately 110 days

Harvest

Harvest when tops dry and fall over. Lift bulbs in dry weather, then cure in the field for 3 to 5 days or under cover at 23 to 26°C and approximately 80% humidity.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Gaia traditionally suggests brassicas, carrot, tomato, lettuce, beet, parsnip, chamomile, rose, and strawberry. Prioritize crop rotation, weeding, and good airflow. 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.

Plants to avoid

Gaia traditionally recommends separating it from beans, peas, and asparagus. This list is not absolute; prioritize rotation and spacing.

Garden use

In the garden, place Rossa Lunga di Tropea onion; Italian torpedo onion according to its habit, vigour, and access for harvest. 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.

Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

For four servings with Rossa Lunga di Tropea onion; Italian torpedo onion, harvest seeds, grain, or pods at the recommended stage and sort the crop carefully. Prepare about 250 g of edible material. Rinse under potable water; for dried beans or other pulses, soak when appropriate, discard the soaking water, and cook completely in fresh water before tasting. Drain, then combine with 30 ml of oil, 15 ml of lemon juice or vinegar, one small chopped shallot, and fresh herbs. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Serve warm or chilled with seasonal vegetables. Young pods and corn may be cooked separately to the desired texture before assembly. Never eat dried beans raw or undercooked. Refrigerate leftovers in a closed container within two hours and use them promptly. Serve promptly to preserve the texture and aromas that distinguish this harvest. Taste before adding more salt so the variety’s own character remains at the centre of the dish. Use a clean board and utensils, then refrigerate promptly any portion that will not be served immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How many 'Rossa Lunga di Tropea' onion seeds are in the packet?

For Rossa Lunga di Tropea onion; Italian torpedo onion, the packet information states: Approximately 100 seeds. This wording preserves the commercial approximation when one is provided and helps plan the number of containers or the length of the row without turning an estimate into a guaranteed count. Keep the packet closed in a cool, dry, dark place until sowing time. Keep the label with the seedlings so the variety remains correctly identified throughout the season. Use clean containers and write the sowing date on a water-resistant label. Avoid exposing unused seed to moisture or large temperature swings.

How should I start 'Rossa Lunga di Tropea' onion seeds in Canada?

For Rossa Lunga di Tropea onion; Italian torpedo onion, the stated sowing period is Start indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the planned transplanting date. The recommended method is Seed propagation; open-pollinated variety, at a depth of 3 to 6 mm (1/8 to 1/4 in). Follow these product-specific directions and adjust timing to the average last-frost date in your area. Moisten the growing medium before placing the seed so the first watering does not displace it. Label every container and maintain even moisture without allowing standing water. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge to encourage balanced growth. Thin carefully when several seedlings compete for the same space. For seed starting, label the cultivar and use the stated sowing depth instead of a generic estimate.

How long do 'Rossa Lunga di Tropea' onion seeds take to germinate?

For Rossa Lunga di Tropea onion; Italian torpedo onion, the stated germination period is 6 to 12 days, with a germination temperature of 7 to 32°C; preferably around 20 to 25°C. Keep these conditions as steady as practical while allowing excess water to drain away. The temperature of the growing medium matters more than the surrounding air during this stage. Check moisture below the surface before watering again and avoid saturating the medium. Good air circulation helps young plants remain vigorous after emergence. Wait until the normal germination window has passed before assuming a seed will not emerge. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.

When and how should I harvest 'Rossa Lunga di Tropea' onion?

For Rossa Lunga di Tropea onion; Italian torpedo onion, the confirmed edible parts are: Bulbs and young green leaves. Harvest them at the stage stated in the product record, then sort the crop before preparation. Use only the parts correctly identified as edible for this plant. Use a clean tool and handle the harvest carefully to avoid unnecessary injury to the plant. Harvest in dry weather when practical and remove damaged portions promptly. Wash only the parts intended for the kitchen and refrigerate perishable produce promptly. Never eat a plant part whose identity or edibility is uncertain.