Growing Onion Rosa Lunga di Firenze Seeds

Onion Rosa Lunga di Firenze Seeds are a traditional Italian red onion variety renowned for their distinctive torpedo shape and deep purple-red colour. Favoured by gardeners for their versatility and rich flavour, Onion Rosa Lunga di Firenze Seeds are a delightful addition to any UK vegetable garden or allotment.

Sowing and Germination

• When to Sow Indoors: January to February
• When to Sow Outdoors: March to April
• Sowing Depth: 1cm deep
• Germination Temperature: 10-15°C
• Germination Time: 14-21 days

Indoor Sowing:

Sow Onion Rosa Lunga di Firenze Seeds in seed trays or modules filled with good quality seed compost. Cover lightly with compost and keep at a temperature of 10-15°C. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots to grow on.

Outdoor Sowing:

From March onwards, sow Onion Rosa Lunga di Firenze Seeds directly into prepared seed beds. Thin seedlings to the strongest plants, spacing them appropriately.

For expert advice on growing onions from seed in the UK, including tips on planting by day length, visit our article on The Secret to Onion Success.

Planting Out

• Planting Time: February to April
• Plant Spacing: 15cm apart in rows 30cm apart
• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
• Position: Full sun

Prepare the soil by digging in plenty of organic matter. Plant Onion Rosa Lunga di Firenze Seed seedlings carefully to avoid damaging the roots. Ensure adequate spacing to allow bulbs to develop fully.

Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods
• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser during the growing season
• Weeding: Keep beds weed-free to reduce competition
• Pests and Diseases: Watch for onion fly and downy mildew

Mulching can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid overhead watering to minimise the risk of fungal diseases.

Harvesting and Storage

• Maturity: Approximately 120 days from sowing
• Harvest Period: July to September

Harvest Onion Rosa Lunga di Firenze onions when the foliage turns yellow and starts to fall over. Lift bulbs carefully and allow them to dry in a warm, airy place for two weeks. Once dried, store the onions in a cool, dry place for use throughout the winter months.

Culinary Uses

Onion Rosa Lunga di Firenze Seeds produce onions that are prized for their sweet and mild flavour, making them perfect for a variety of dishes. Their vibrant colour adds appeal to salads, sandwiches, and roasted vegetable dishes. They’re also excellent for pickling and preserves.

Growing Tips

• Rotate Onion Rosa Lunga di Firenze crops annually to prevent soil-borne diseases.
• Avoid planting onions in soil where other alliums have been grown in the past three years.
• Companion plant with carrots to deter onion flies.