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Other Common Names: Bawang besar, japanese onion, bawang bombay, hom yao, piyaz, rata lunu, sibuyas, tama negi, tsung tau, or yang cong.

How to Grow Shonan Red Onion

In short growing season areas, pre-germinate the seeds in flats or trays indoors. Break up the soil with a trowel before sowing. Sow seeds in late summer to early fall. Transplant seedlings in early fall or no later than mid-fall. Water the seeds well and keep the soil moist, especially during germination.

Mulch the area with straw to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Young onions are very prone to be crowded out; pull weeds promptly. Fertilize as needed. As harvest time nears, the foliage will turn yellow or brown and may fall over. At the first sign of yellowing, reduce the quantity of water. For full-maturity onions, allow most of the leaves to fall before harvesting.

Harvesting Shonan Red Onion

Pull the onions when their skins have developed and the tops have fallen over (late spring). Allow the onions to dry in the open air for a few days. Cut off their tops and roots, then air dry for 2-3 more days; this will help to seal the onion and avoid spoiling. Many gardeners harvest onions at any stage before full maturity as well.

Culinary Tips

We recommend making a delicious sweet and sour cucumber salad with thinly sliced cucumber and red onion marinated in vinegar, sugar, salt, and dried chili flakes. Use these onions in recipes where other onions or shallots are used.

Tips From Our Gardeners

“I think varieties of Allium cepa are great for gardeners who desire harvests many times throughout the year. Plant these towards the end of the growing season and then harvest at the very beginning. Have fresh onions all year long!”

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Seeds Per Package

• 1 g packet - Approximately 300 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 8,500 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 34,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 136,000 Seeds
• 5 lb - Approximately 680,000 Seeds