What To Know
- These unique, small onions are loved for their sweet, mild flavor and their ability to multiply, producing a bounty of onions from a single bulb.
- If you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness and versatility to your garden, learning how to grow strawberry onions is a rewarding endeavor.
- You can also store them in a mesh bag or in a breathable container.
Strawberry onions, also known as multiplier onions or shallots, aren’t actually strawberries! These unique, small onions are loved for their sweet, mild flavor and their ability to multiply, producing a bounty of onions from a single bulb. If you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness and versatility to your garden, learning how to grow strawberry onions is a rewarding endeavor.
Understanding Strawberry Onions
Strawberry onions are a type of perennial onion that forms clusters of small bulbs around the main bulb. These bulbs are typically smaller than traditional onions, with a diameter ranging from 1 to 3 inches. They have a milder, sweeter flavor than their larger counterparts, making them perfect for salads, salsas, and even grilling.
Choosing the Right Variety
While there are many varieties of strawberry onions available, some of the most popular include:
- Red Creole: This variety is known for its deep red skin and mild, sweet flavor.
- Texas Grano: This type features a white skin and a slightly stronger, pungent flavor.
- French Red: This variety produces small, red bulbs with a sweet, mild flavor.
Selecting a Suitable Location
Strawberry onions thrive in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Choose a sunny location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Avoid areas that are prone to flooding or have poor drainage, as this can lead to root rot.
Starting from Seed or Sets
You can grow strawberry onions from seed or sets.
- Seeds: Starting from seed requires more patience, but it allows you to grow a larger number of plants. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
- Sets: Sets are small, immature bulbs that are ready to be planted directly in the garden. They are available at most garden centers and nurseries. Plant sets in the spring after the last frost has passed.
Planting Your Strawberry Onions
- Spacing: Plant sets or seedlings 6-12 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches wide.
- Depth: Plant sets or seedlings about 1 inch deep, with the pointed end facing upwards.
- Watering: Water your strawberry onions regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim for consistent moisture but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Caring for Your Strawberry Onions
- Fertilizing: Strawberry onions benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, every 4-6 weeks.
- Weeding: Keep the area around your strawberry onions free of weeds, as they can compete for nutrients and moisture.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch, such as straw or wood chips, to help suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Harvesting Your Strawberry Onions
Strawberry onions are typically ready for harvest in the fall, after the foliage has died back. You can harvest the main bulb or leave it in the ground to continue multiplying.
- Harvesting the main bulb: When the foliage starts to turn brown and die back, carefully dig up the main bulb.
- Harvesting the offsets: The small, clustered bulbs that form around the main bulb can be harvested throughout the growing season.
Storing Your Strawberry Onions
Strawberry onions can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months.
- Curing: After harvesting, let the onions cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for a few weeks. This process will help them dry out and store better.
- Storage: Store cured onions in a cool, dry, and dark place. You can also store them in a mesh bag or in a breathable container.
Beyond the Harvest: Enjoying Your Strawberry Onions
Strawberry onions are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Here are some ways to enjoy their sweet, mild flavor:
- Salads: Add a fresh crunch and sweetness to your salads.
- Salsas: Use them in salsas for a unique twist.
- Grilling: Grill them whole or slice them for a delicious side dish.
- Pickles: Pickle them for a tangy, sweet treat.
- Sauces: Use them in sauces for a subtle, sweet flavor.
A Final Word: The Rewards of Growing Strawberry Onions
Growing strawberry onions is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Their unique flavor and versatility add a special touch to any garden and kitchen. From the first sprout to the sweet taste of harvest, the journey of growing strawberry onions is a delightful one.
Questions You May Have
Q: How long does it take for strawberry onions to mature?
A: Strawberry onions typically take about 100-120 days to mature from seed or set.
Q: Can I grow strawberry onions in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow strawberry onions in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep.
Q: How do I prevent disease in strawberry onions?
A: Rotate your crops annually to prevent disease buildup. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Q: What are the benefits of growing strawberry onions?
A: Strawberry onions are easy to grow, produce a large yield, and have a unique, sweet flavor. They are also a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Q: What do I do with the offsets after harvesting the main bulb?
A: You can plant the offsets to grow new strawberry onion plants. Just plant them in the garden in the spring.
