Red Karmen red onion plants (autumn planting) - Allium cepa

The Bloedrode or Noordhollandse Bloedrode Red Onion (dark red from Holland) is an excellent variety that produces large, slightly flattened, shiny dark red bulbs. The variety also stands out for its delicious flavour and long storage life. You can plant its bulblets in autumn in mild climates or from February to April to harvest them as early as the end of spring or in July and August.

The onion is an herbaceous plant that produces a single bulb topped with hollow, cylindrical stems. It belongs to the Liliaceae family, like garlic, shallots, and chives. The onion is mainly cultivated for its bulb and sometimes for its stems, which are consumed similarly to chives.

There are three groups of onions distinguished by the colour of the bulb:

• white onions, early varieties, consumed in vegetable gardens, for example, or pickled in vinegar, 
• yellow onions, for storage, often consumed cooked (in soups, pissaladières, as accompaniments to cheese or charcuterie), 
• red onions, usually consumed raw in salads.

There are also less common pink onions, such as the Roscoff pink onion.

Rich in vitamins A, B, and C and minerals, onions are often more digestible when cooked and develop a sweeter flavour. To avoid crying while cutting an onion, peel it under running water, in a water basin, or wear swimming goggles!

Historically, onions originated from Central Asia, where they have been consumed for over 6000 years. They were also found in the pharaohs' tombs as a food source. Their therapeutic and gustatory properties were already recognised. The Romans later introduced onions to Western Europe. It is also worth noting that Christopher Columbus introduced onions to the Americas during his second voyage.

Harvesting: White onions are harvested in spring when the foliage is still green. Coloured onions (yellow and red) are harvested in summer when the stems are thoroughly dried and fall to the ground. Gently pull them out and dry them on the ground in the sun for two to three days. Remove the excess dried soil by lightly rubbing them.

Storage: Onions can be stored for several months under good conditions. If the condition of the stems allows, you can make a braid and hang the bundles. Otherwise, cut off the leaves and store the onions in a dark, cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Check beforehand that they have not been bruised to prevent rot that could contaminate the entire harvest.

Gardener's tip: alternate rows of onions and carrots to keep carrot fly and onion fly away. Additionally, onions thrive in the company of beets, strawberries, and lettuce.