Onion Sets - Karmen Red
2024 orders are closed. We will take orders for 2025 shipping in May. This item is a pre-order and is not expected to ship until Late March - Early April. Other seeds, supplies, or kits ordered with this product will ship separately. ~100 onion sets per package.
80 Days to maturity. Allium cepa. Karmen Red Onion Sets. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, cool-season vegetable, long-day, bulbing onion. Karmen Red Onions are known for their medium-sized bulbs, and early uniform growth. They have dark red skin with a vibrant red color through all the bulb layers. This variety is recognized as a good storage type with medium sweet flavor. It has better downy mildew resistance compared to many other varieties. Also known as Red Karmen Onions, Spanish Onions, Salad Onions. They are well-suited for both home and commercial gardens, offering versatility in use—raw in salads or cooked. Known for their ease of growth, they perform best in well-drained, slightly acidic, fertile soil in full sun.
Growing Non-GMO Karmen Red Onion Sets
To grow Karmen Red Onions successfully, plant the sets 1-2 inches into the soil. Plant onion sets outdoors in spring, once the soil is workable and temperatures are no longer expected to fall below 28 F (typically in late March or April). Ensure that the soil is well-drained, slightly acidic, and fertile, providing full sun exposure. Space the bulbs 2-3 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. Once they reach the green onion stage, thin to 3-6 inches apart. Karmen Red Onions are suitable for both home and commercial gardens and can adapt to various climates, falling within the annual category for Zones 3-9.
These onions benefit from consistent watering, with at least 1 inch of water per week, especially during the bulbing phase. Shallow cultivation is essential to prevent damage to the shallow roots. As heavy feeders, they respond well to fertilization throughout their growth. Incorporating compost upon planting and using a fertilizer with a balanced ratio contributes to their overall health and sweetness at harvest. We recommend fertilizing about a month after planting, half-way to harvesting, and about a month before harvesting. Additionally, it's crucial to understand the variety's adaptation to day length (short-day, intermediate, or long-day) for optimal growth. These onions are a long-day variety, so they can be grown farther north than many other onion varieties.
Karmen Red Onion in the Vegetable Garden
Karmen Red Onions serve a versatile role in both home and commercial gardens, offering culinary enthusiasts and growers a valuable addition. In the garden, they can be utilized as a staple vegetable, known for their good storing capability and excellent flavor. With their vibrant red color and medium-sweet taste, these onions are a favorite for cooking, adding depth and richness to a variety of dishes. Beyond their culinary uses, Karmen Red Onions can be interplanted strategically to potentially deter certain pests, contributing to a more balanced garden ecosystem. Their growth habits and adaptability make them suitable for various garden setups, from companion planting to rows of dedicated onion beds. Whether grown for personal culinary enjoyment or commercial production, Karmen Red Onions play a vital role in enhancing the garden's productivity and flavor palette.
Harvesting Karmen Red Onion
Harvesting Karmen Red Onions requires careful observation and timing to ensure optimal flavor and storage. When the green tops of the onions flop over, and the necks become soft, it indicates readiness for harvest. For those seeking green onions, harvesting can begin when the tops reach 6 inches tall. However, for mature, dry bulbs, wait until the tops have dried and naturally fallen over (typically in August or September). Gently lift the onions with a fork, avoiding damage to the bulbs. Following harvest, allow the bulbs to sun-cure for at least 2-7 days, depending on weather conditions. Once cured, move them to a protected location to finish drying. Clip off the tops and roots, and store the onions in onion bags or shallow boxes in a cool, dry environment. When properly stored, Karmen Red Onions can be enjoyed for an extended period, offering a flavorful addition to a variety of culinary creations.
About Karmen Red Onion Sets
Karmen Red Onions, a delightful addition to any garden, boast a rich history tied to Central and Eastern Europe. Originally sourced from a Hungarian seed company during a Seed Ambassadors trip through Europe in 2006, these onions have found success in the Oregon region, showcasing better downy mildew resistance than many other varieties.
Bred as an open-pollinated, non-GMO cultivar, these onions thrive in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Gardeners may find success by avoiding overwatering during the bulbing phase and ensuring proper spacing for optimal growth.
The onions are celebrated for their medium sweet flavor and dark red skin, making them a favorite for both cooking and raw consumption.
Nutritionally, Karmen Red Onions offer a range of health benefits, including essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"To enhance the growth and flavor of Karmen Red Onions, consider incorporating companion planting with herbs like basil or chamomile. These aromatic herbs can act as natural deterrents to common onion pests while providing additional benefits. Basil, for example, may help repel insects like aphids and mosquitoes, while chamomile can contribute to overall soil health. Intercropping onions with these herbs not only adds a layer of pest control but also introduces a diverse and visually appealing element to your garden. Additionally, the fragrant herbs may contribute to the unique flavor profile of Karmen Red Onions, creating a harmonious and mutually beneficial planting arrangement."
 - Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer
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