Here’s How You Can Grow Candy Onions, A Surprisingly Sweet Hybrid Variety
Imagine biting into an onion, but instead of getting hit with a sour tang, you taste something unexpectedly mild and sweet. That’s the surprise of the candy onion.
This hybrid variety, known for its large, globe-shaped bulbs and remarkably sweet flavor, has become a favorite among both novice and seasoned gardeners alike.
So, whether you’re looking to jazz up your salads, sweeten your sautés, or simply try your hand at growing something new, here’s everything you need to know about cultivating sweet onions in your very own backyard.
What Are Candy Onions?
Candy onions are a hybrid of the common onion and sweet onion varieties. They’re loved for their perfect balance between sweet and mild flavor, lacking the sharp bite often associated with their cousins.
In terms of appearance, they have pale yellow skin and white flesh. They also grow to impressive sizes, making them a standout at any farmer’s market or garden.
Planting Your Candy Onions
The best time to plant Candy onions is early spring, as soon as the last frost has passed, and these onions just prefer a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
So, you can begin by enriching your soil with compost to provide the nutrients these onions crave. Then, plant the seeds or sets (small bulbs) about an inch deep and four to six inches apart to give each onion ample room to expand.
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Also, if starting from seeds, you may want to consider beginning indoors several weeks before the last frost to get a head start on the growing season.
Caring For Candy Onions
Candy onions aren’t just sweet; they’re also relatively easy to care for! All you have to do is water them regularly, aiming to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Additionally, mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds; meanwhile, fertilizing with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer will help support their growth.
These onions are hardy, but they still appreciate a little TLC to reach their full potential.
Harvesting And Storing
You’ll know it’s time to harvest your Candy onions when their tops begin to fall over and yellow. This typically occurs in late summer, as they require a growing period of between 90 and 100 days.
At that point, you can gently lift them from the soil and allow them to dry on the surface for a few days, preferably under the warm sun in temperatures of 65° to 85° Fahrenheit.
Afterward, you can cure the onions in a dry, well-ventilated area for several weeks. This process is crucial for storage as it helps the outer layers form a protective barrier.
Lastly, store your cured onions in a cool, dark place. They can actually last up to three months if kept in optimal conditions.
Tackling Common Problems
While they’re relatively low-maintenance, Candy onions can still encounter common onion-growing issues like thrips, onion maggots, and fungal diseases such as downy mildew.
Regular inspection of your plants can help catch these issues early. You can also use appropriate organic pesticides or fungicides when necessary and practice crop rotation to minimize disease build-up in the soil.
Also, try to avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal infections and ensure good air circulation around your plants.
Incorporating Candy Onions Into Your Cooking
Candy onions are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Their sweet profile makes them perfect for caramelizing, where their sugars can fully develop into a rich, golden delight.
They’re also equally at home in fresh dishes, like salads and salsas, adding a subtle sweetness without overpowering other flavors. Plus, you can try them roasted whole or chopped in a variety of dishes, from soups to stir-fries.
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