Red Creole Onion - 0.5 Gram

Red Creole is a short-day onion prized for its ability to thrive in warmer climates and its deep red to purplish-red skin with firm white to pinkish flesh. It produces small to medium, flattened bulbs with a robust, slightly spicy taste that mellows when cooked.

 

Bulb shape Flattened globe

Skin Reddish-purple, dry and papery

Flesh White with red rings or blush

Flavour Pungent, spicy when raw; sweet and mellow when cooked

Size 6–8 cm average diameter

Storage Good (3–5 months when properly cured)

Maturity 100–110 days from seed

 

Growing Conditions

Sunlight Full sun (6–8 hours per day minimum)

Soil Loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter

pH Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Watering Keep consistently moist during active growth; reduce watering as bulbs mature

Feeding Start with compost or balanced fertilizer; side-dress with a low-nitrogen fertilizer during the bulb phase

 

Growing Season

Type Short-day onion – requires 10–12 hours of daylight to form bulbs

Best for Warm and mild-winter climates

Sow

Mild/warm regions Sow outdoors in autumn or early winter for late spring/summer harvest

Cooler climates Start indoors in late winter and transplant after frost danger passes

Harvest 100–110 days after sowing; midsummer if autumn-sown

 

Sowing Instructions

From Seed (preferred for best results)

When to sow

Autumn in warm regions (Sept–Nov)

Late winter indoors for cool areas (Jan–Feb)

Seed depth 0.5–1 cm

Spacing

Thin or transplant to 10–15 cm between plants

Rows 25–30 cm apart

Germination temperature 13–25°C

Time to germinate 7–14 days

From Sets or Transplants

Sets are convenient but may bolt more easily

Transplant when seedlings are 10–15 cm tall

 

Common Pests & Problems

Pests

Thrips Silvery streaks on leaves – treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap

Onion Maggots Tunnel into bulbs – rotate crops, use floating row covers

Cutworms Cut young stems at base – use collars or beneficial nematodes

Aphids Cluster on leaves – wash off with water or use neem oil

Slugs/Snails Chew on seedlings – use traps or diatomaceous earth

 

Diseases

Downy Mildew Yellow blotches, fuzzy growth – avoid overhead watering, improve airflow

Purple Blotch Dark spots on leaves – remove affected foliage, use copper fungicide

White Rot Wilting and root decay – avoid replanting onions in same area

Neck Rot Affects stored bulbs – ensure thorough curing before storage

 

Harvesting & Storage Tips

Harvest when tops fall over and start yellowing

Curing Dry in shade for 2–3 weeks in a well-ventilated space

Trimming Cut tops to 2–3 cm and remove roots once fully dry

Storage Keep in a cool, dry, dark space with good airflow (mesh bags or baskets work well)