How to Grow Onions Guide

Growing Non-GMO Snowball White Onion Sets

To cultivate Snowball White Onions successfully, start by selecting a sunny location with well-drained and fertile soil, maintaining a pH level between 6.0-7.0. Plant onion sets outdoors in the spring once the soil is workable and temperatures are no longer expected to fall below 28 F (typically in late March or April). These onions thrive in full sun exposure. Begin planting sets, placing them 1-2 inches deep and spacing them 2-3 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart. Thin to 3-6 inches apart at the green onion stage. Snowball White Onions are considered intermediate-day onions.

These onions typically take around 80 days to reach maturity. It's crucial to provide adequate water throughout the growing season, especially when the onions are in the bulbing phase. Snowball White Onions are relatively low-maintenance but benefit from compost application upon planting and periodic fertilization with a complete fertilizer to enhance their flavor at harvest. We recommend fertilizing about a month after planting, mid-season, and again about a month before harvesting. Monitor for signs of pests or diseases, and address any issues promptly to ensure a healthy onion crop.

Snowball White Onion in the Vegetable Garden

The Snowball White Onion is a versatile addition to any garden, offering both culinary delights and ease of cultivation. These onions are excellent for various uses in both home and commercial gardens. As a cooking onion, they bring a mild, sweet, and tangy flavor to a wide range of dishes, including popular latin cuisine, making them a staple in the kitchen. Additionally, their versatility extends to being enjoyed as green onions, providing crisp and flavorful additions to salads, sandwiches, and other fresh dishes. In the garden, Snowball White Onions can be strategically planted to deter certain pests, and their compact size makes them suitable for intercropping or companion planting with other compatible vegetables. Their ability to store well after harvest makes them a practical choice for long-term culinary use, ensuring a fresh supply well beyond the growing season. Whether used for culinary creativity or garden planning, Snowball White Onions bring both flavor and functionality to the gardening experience.

Harvesting Snowball White Onion

Harvesting Snowball White Onions is a straightforward process that requires attention to a few key indicators. These onions are ready for harvest when their green tops start to wither and fall over. The necks of the onions should become soft, indicating that the bulbs have reached maturity. To begin the harvest, gently pull the onions from the soil after loosening with a digging fork, allowing the roots to remain attached. After pulling them, it's advisable to let the onions sit on the soil surface for a few days. This allows the roots to dry, facilitating easier storage. Once the roots have dried, tie the onion tops together in bundles, making them convenient for storage. For optimal preservation, store the onions in a cool, dry place with good air circulation, such as a basement or garage. Properly stored Snowball White Onions can last for several months, providing a steady supply of flavorful onions long after the harvesting season.

About Snowball White Onion Sets

The Snowball White Onion, a popular variety appreciated for its excellent storing capabilities and mild, sweet, tangy flavor, thrives in hardiness zones 3-9. This open-pollinated onion is a reliable and versatile choice for home gardeners.

To ensure success, it's crucial to plant Snowball White Onions in well-drained, moist soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Sandy loam soils with good moisture retention are recommended, and the addition of peat moss can enhance moisture retention.

These onions fall into the intermediate-day category, making them suitable for mild northern climates and some southern states.

As a tip, regular watering, especially during the bulbing phase, is crucial for the shallow-rooted onions. Adding compost upon planting and fertilizing throughout their growth with a timed-release granular fertilizer can contribute to a bountiful harvest.

When harvesting, wait for the green tops to flop over, signaling maturity. Onions can also be harvested early as green onions.

Snowball White Onions, with their crisp texture and sweet flavor, add delightful depth to various dishes and are particularly prized in Mexican cuisine for fajitas and other savory delights.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"For optimal growth and flavor, consider planting Snowball White Onions in a raised bed or slightly elevated area in your garden. This helps improve drainage and prevents waterlogging, which can be detrimental to onion bulbs. The raised bed allows excess water to drain away more efficiently, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and promoting healthier, more robust plants. Additionally, this gardening technique can enhance soil warmth, providing a favorable environment for onion development. Remember to space the onions appropriately within the raised bed, adhering to the recommended planting distances, to ensure each bulb has ample space to grow and mature."

- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer