Onion 'Sierra Blanca'
F1 Hybrid
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:
Large, mild white onions that are incredible for fresh salsa or pico de gallo! Sierra Blanca is widely adapted, day-neutral, and matures well anywhere in North America from spring sowing. Can also be fall planted where short-day onions are normally grown. We've been growing this variety since 2016 after it was recommended by Jean-Martin Fortier, and it does not disappoint! See Johnny's Adaptation Chart for more info. Not for long-term storage.
Packet contains approximately 100 seeds.
DETAILS
Plant type: Annual
Days to maturity: 109 days
Light preference: Full sun
Plant spacing: 3–4" apart in rows 12" apart
Hybrid status: Hybrid
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.
Hybrid Seeds (Never GMO)
Please note that hybrid varieties are produced by traditional breeding methods of two distinct OP (open-pollinated) varieties within the same species. This is done for improved qualities, but saved seeds will not produce true to seed. While I tend to prefer most OP varieties, there are some exceptions in which a hybrid is a real winner (like my favorite cherry tomato, Sungold).
It's important to note that this is entirely different from genetic modification. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have DNA (sometimes from non-plant organisms) inserted into their genome via genetic engineering techniques.
We do not sell GMO seeds.
From Johnny's: F1 Hybrid seeds are the result of a cross between two genetically distinct parent plant lines. The plants grown from these seeds will usually show more vigor than either of the two parent plants, and often more vigor and uniformity than similar non-hybrid (standard) varieties. To create a hybrid (F1), traditional breeding methods are used that involve the cross-pollination of two parent varieties that were selected for specific traits.
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
