Allium cepa Candy Onion Allium cepa Candy Onion is a revolutionary, intermediate-day hybrid onion, prized for its exceptional adaptability and jumbo, globe-shaped bulbs. Maturing in about 85 to 100 days, this variety is perfect for vegetable gardens across nearly all regions of the United States, performing reliably in the North, South, and Midwest alike. Unlike pungent storage onions, Candy offers a flavor so mild and sweet that it can be eaten raw like an apple, bridging the gap between long-day and short-day types with huge, golden-skinned bulbs that rival the famous Vidalia in taste. Culinary and Practical Uses The thick, juicy rings are incredibly mild and crisp, making them the ultimate choice for raw applications in salads, sandwiches, salsas, and burgers. Due to their high sugar content, these onions caramelize beautifully, developing a rich, savory sweetness perfect for French onion soup, glazes, and roasted vegetable medleys. While not a long-term keeper, they store well for about three months, providing a bridge of fresh eating onions between the early harvest and the curing of long-storage winter varieties. Characteristics Bulbs: Produces massive, softball-sized bulbs with thin, golden-brown papery skin and thick, succulent, white flesh; remarkably uniform in shape and size. Growth Habit: Upright, tubular blue-green foliage; the plant is an "intermediate-day" type, meaning it begins bulbing when day length reaches 12–14 hours, allowing for successful growth in almost any latitude. Flowers: While the goal is to harvest the bulb before flowering, if left to bolt in its second year, it produces spherical umbels of white flowers attractive to pollinators. Seeds: Small, angular, black seeds that are vigorous and easy to start indoors or direct sow in regions with longer growing seasons. Growing Requirements Sun: Thrives in full sun; requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to fuel the rapid leaf growth necessary for large bulb formation. Soil: Prefers loose, fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter; compact or clay-heavy soil can restrict bulb expansion, so amending with compost is recommended. Water: Requires consistent moisture due to a shallow root system; uneven watering can cause bulbs to split or become pungent, so mulch is advised to retain soil humidity. Spacing: Plant seeds or transplants 4 to 6 inches apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart to allow the jumbo bulbs ample room to expand without crowding. Maintenance: Keep the bed strictly weed-free as onions compete poorly with weeds; harvest when the green tops weaken and flop over, then cure in a dry, airy place before storing. Shipping Info Candy Onion seeds ship as fresh, high-quality, viable seeds that are carefully packaged for stability and protection from damage during transit. Prompt shipping supports reliable germination and seasonally appropriate planting.
