Onion 'Rossa di Milano'
Allium cepa
Onions and shallots are of the most wonderful aromatics you can grow for the kitchen garden! Our selection includes my favorite varieties, each with specific purposes:
A superior strain of this classic Italian heirloom, this will be new to me, and I'm so excited (yes, I get excited about onions)! Selected by the late Dr. John Navazio under tough organic growing conditions, Johnny's strain of Rossa di Milano is up to 10 days earlier than others boasting the same name. This variety, with it's bronzey-pink skin, hails from the region of Lombardy in northern Italy, particularly around the city of Milan. Large bulbs exhibit the true grano shape with distinctly flattened tops and are suited for long storage (6+ months). Can be successfully grown in the northern reaches of the intermediate-day region. Adaptation: 38–50° latitude. See Johnny's Adaptation Chart for more info. Seed is certified organic.
Packet contains approximately 100 seeds.
DETAILS
Plant type: Annual
Days to maturity: 100 days
Light preference: Full sun
Plant spacing: 3–4" apart in rows 12" apart
Hybrid status: Open pollinated
SOWING
Depth: 1/4 inch
Germination: 65–75°F
How to Grow
Sow indoors into open flats 6–8 weeks before transplanting out, a few seeds per inch. Unruly tops may be clipped to 5". May also be direct sown (spacing below).
Crème Brûlée Èchalion, Patterson, Rossa di Milano, Sierra Blanca
3–4" apart in rows 12" apart
Evergreen Hardy White, Gold Coin, Red Long of Tropea
1/2"–1" apart (we typically grow all of our onions together, but you can space these in rows at least as close as 4" apart or interplant among other veggies)
Harvest & Storage
Once established, harvest leaves before flowering begins. Leaves can be harvested 3–4 times per year, cut at ground level. Leaves may be used fresh or dried. To dry, cut bundles into 1/4–1/2" lengths. Dry on a screen surfaced out of direct sunlight in an area with good ventilation. Stir periodically.
SHIPPING
FREE: $100 or more on any seeds
$3.95: 1–9 seed packets
$7.95: 10+ seed packets
Photo Credit: Johnny's Selected Seeds & Petal Back Farm
