90-120 Days to maturity. Allium cepa. Red of Florence Onion Seeds. Also known as Red Long of Florence and Long Red Florence. Non-GMO, Biannual (but can be treated as an annual), open-pollinated, heirloom, oblong, bulbing, long-day onion. Red of Florence onions, also known as Tropea onions, are a specific variety of red onions originating from the town of Tropea in Calabria, Italy. These purplish red oblong bulbs are versatile and delicious in culinary applications. Being a late-season onion, they need lots of time to mature but are well worth the wait. They also overwinter well and can be grown indoors and outdoors with proper light, ventilation, and water. ~9,550 seeds/oz.

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Latin Name: Allium cepa
Hardiness Zone: Biennial/Annual; Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Days to Maturity: 90-120
Days to Germination: 7-10
Seeding Depth: 0.25 inches
Direct Sow: Yes
Start Indoors: Yes. Start Indoors 8-10 weeks before the last spring frost date.
Onion Day Length: Long Day - Long Day Onions need 14 to 15 hours of daylight to form a bulb. If you plan to grow in more Northern US states with hard winters, Long Day Onions are your best choice. Typically planted in spring for mid to late summer harvest.
Plant Spacing: 4-6 inches
Row Spacing: 12-18 inches
Plant Height: 18-24 inches
Plant Width: 6-8 inches
Growth Habit: Bulbing - Bulbing onions are growing for the bulb or globe they produce.
Growth Speed: Late - Ready for harvest around 101 days or more from direct sowing to harvesting.
Soil Preference: Well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Temperature Preference: Cooler
Germination Temperature: 66-70 F
Light Preference: Full Sun
Pests and Diseases: The most common pest issues for Red of Florence onions include onion thrips, while diseases such as onion downy mildew and white rot are frequently encountered.
Red of Florence Onion Color:Red
Red of Florence Onion Flavor: Sweet and mild
Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container Growing
Onion Use: Red of Florence onions are known for their sweet and mild flavor, making them a popular choice for fresh consumption. Enjoy them in salads, sandwiches, or as a topping for various dishes. These onions are versatile in the kitchen. They can be used raw in salads, pickled, grilled, or caramelized. Their vibrant color also makes them an attractive addition to various dishes.

Growing Red of Florence Onions in the Vegetable Garden

Begin indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow seeds in trays or pots filled with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Plant seeds about 0.25 inches deep. Maintain consistent moisture and provide adequate light for germination. Once seedlings reach 4-6 inches in height and have developed several leaves, transplant them to the garden after a period of hardening off. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Plant onion sets or seedlings 4-6 inches apart in rows, leaving 12-18 inches between rows. Red of Florence onions benefit from good air circulation. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Mulch around the onions to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season.

Harvesting Red of Florence Onions

Red of Florence onions are ready for harvest when their tops (green foliage) turn yellow and start to fall over. This typically occurs in late summer to early fall. Gently loosen the soil around the onions using a garden fork or shovel. This helps facilitate the lifting process and minimizes the risk of damaging the bulbs. Carefully lift the onions from the soil, ensuring they do not bruise or damage the bulbs. You can use your hands or a gardening tool, such as a digging fork. Allow the freshly harvested onions to cure in the garden for a few days. If the weather is dry, you can leave them on the soil surface. If rain is expected, move them to a dry, well-ventilated area. Transfer the onions to a well-ventilated, dry location for further curing. This process, which takes a few weeks, helps the outer layers of the onion skin dry and tighten, contributing to better storage. After curing, trim the tops and roots of the onions, leaving a short neck attached to the bulb. Store the cured onions in a cool, dry place with good air circulation, using methods and tools like mesh bags, crates, or braiding for extended storage.

About Red of Florence Onion Garden Seeds

The region of Calabria in Italy, where Red of Florence onions are traditionally grown, has unique climate and soil conditions that contribute to the distinct characteristics of these onions.

To overwinter, apply a thick layer of mulch and an additional row cover for very cold winters. As long as they have well-draining soil and do not become waterlogged, they will be ready for harvest in the spring.

Like other onions, Red of Florence onions offer nutritional benefits. They contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a healthy diet.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Onions typically need full sun to bulb properly, but experimenting with providing partial shade during the hottest part of the day can enhance the sweet and mild flavor profile of Red of Florence."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

Guide to Onions

Red of Florence Onion Seeds Per Package:

1 g Packet - Wholesale - Approximately 337 Seeds
1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 9,550 Seeds
4 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 38,200 Seeds
1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 152,800 Seeds
5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 764,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Red of Florence Onion seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.

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