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Growing your own onions at home can introduce you to the colorful world of onion varieties. Whether you’re cooking them or having them raw, choosing the suitable variety will drastically improve your eating experience.
Common Onion Types
Before planting onions in your vegetable garden, let’s peel back the layers of its types and common examples. Read below to help you choose the right variety that fits your gardening resources and culinary needs.
Heirloom and Hybrid Onions
Heirloom onion varieties are ideal for seed saving, as they carry the same traits of the parent plant. With no cross-breeding for at least 40 to 50 years, heirloom varieties are true to seed. These are common in many ethnic, family, or religious groups in a certain geographic area. Examples of heirloom onion varieties include Cipollini Yellow, Red Burgundy, Red Creole, Ruby Red, Utah Yellow Sweet Spanish, Walla Walla, and White Grano. Unfortunately, these heirloom types tend to be less resistant to disease and pest problems.
Common diseases in onions include bacterial soft rot, Fusarium basal rot, sclerotial rot, Stemphylium leaf blight, purple blotch, and twister disease. These crops are prone to onion fly and eelworm attacks.
Intentional and manual crossbreeding of two onion varieties gave rise to hybrid types. They can be bred to resist certain diseases and pests for a bountiful yield, or improve flavor and texture. Ideal traits from the two varieties are put into the resulting onion hybrid. These improvements make the hybrid varieties more preferred for large scale onion farming.
However, no permanent seed line is produced from manual crossbreeding of hybrids.
Dry and Green Onions
Onion varieties can be classified into two primary selections — the dry onions (or common onions) and green onions (called spring onions).
Common storage and sweet onions — brown, yellow, purple, red, and white — with fully formed bulbs fall under dry onions. Refrigeration is not necessary for these varieties. Instead, they can be stored in a cool, dry space away from sunlight.
Conversely, green onions are harvested earlier without a completed bulb or partially completed bulb. The green stalks from this selection are commonly used as tasty garnish on omelets, soups, tacos, and stir-fry. You can use the entire plant but until then, green onions should be refrigerated to maintain their crisp and freshness.
Other Popular Onion Groupings
Take a look at some common onion varieties grouped into their distinctive traits.
Types of Onion Skin Colors
U.S. supermarkets tend to group onions according to their skin colors — red, white, and yellow. Domestic supply of the most common types of onion are available year-round in the country.
| Onion Skin Colors | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| Brown- and Yellow-Skinned Onions | Candy Hybrid (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) Patterson (Territorial Seed Company, Burpee) Texas Super Sweet (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) Walla Walla (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) Yellow Sweet Spanish (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, Rare Seeds) |
| Purple- and Red-Skinned Onions | Red Burgundy (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Red Creole (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) Red Grano (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Ruby (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Red Spring (Territorial Seed Company) |
| Light Green- and White-Skinned Onions | Ringmaster White Sweet Spanish (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company) Superstar (Territorial Seed Company) White Bermuda (Territorial Seed Company) White Creole (Rare Seeds) White Grano (Eden Brothers) |
Types of Onion Flesh Colors
Apart from the common white flesh in onions, there are varieties with red flesh due to their anthocyanin content.
| Onion Flesh Colors | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| Purple/Red Onions | Red Baron (Territorial Seed Company) Red Carpet (Eden Brothers) Red Torpedo (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Redwing (Territorial Seed Company) Southern Belle Red (Territorial Seed Company) |
| White Onions | Borrettana Cipollini or Cipollini Yellow (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company) Early White Grano PRR (True Leaf Market) Imai Early Yellow (True Leaf Market) Southport White Globe (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Yellow Granex PRR (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Burpee) |
Types of Onion Flavors
Onion’s bold flavors appeal to different palates — some are more subtle than others. Incorporating acidic food ingredients will help counteract strong onion flavor, especially in their raw form.
| Onion Flavors | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| Sweet/Subtle Onions | Ailsa Craig (Territorial Seed Company) Almagro (Territorial Seed Company) Candy Hybrid (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) Monastrell (Territorial Seed Company) Yellow Sweet Spanish (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, Rare Seeds) |
| Mildly Spicy/Pungent Onions | Oneida (Territorial Seed Company) Redwing (Territorial Seed Company) Red Creole (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) Ruby (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Southport White Globe (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) |
Types of Onion Textures
The firm texture of onions tends to captivate most food lovers. Inclusion of onions contributes strong flavor to dishes, especially if you use the appropriate variety.
| Onion Textures | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| Crisp/Crunchy Onions | Eclipse L303 (True Leaf Market) Imai Early Yellow (True Leaf Market) Red Grano (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Ruby (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Walla Walla (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) |
| Juicy/Soft Onions | Candy Hybrid (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) Crystal White Wax (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Texas Super Sweet (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) White Grano (Eden Brothers) Yellow Granex PRR (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Burpee) |
Types of Onion Daylight Needs
Common types of onions have different daylight requirements or photoperiodism before efficiently producing a bulb. Long-day onions usually need at least 14 or more hours of daylight. Short-day varieties require 11 to 12 hours. Intermediate or neutral varieties should have 12 to 14 hours of daylight.
| Onion Daylight Needs | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| Long-Day Onions | Blush Plants (Territorial Seed Company, Burpee) Red Bull (Territorial Seed Company) Southport White Globe (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Talon (Territorial Seed Company) Walla Walla (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) |
| Intermediate/Neutral Onions | Candy Hybrid (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) Expression (Territorial Seed Company) Imai Early Yellow (True Leaf Market) Monastrell (Territorial Seed Company) Red Torpedo (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) |
| Short-Day Onions | Hi-Keeper (Territorial Seed Company) Red Creole (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) Red Grano (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Texas Super Sweet (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) White Bermuda (Territorial Seed Company) |
Types of Onion Lifecycles
Onions are naturally either biennial or perennial plants, but many gardeners treat them as annuals.
| Onion Lifecycles | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| Biennial Onions | Candy Hybrid (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) Parade Bunching (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, Burpee) Red Carpet (Eden Brothers) Walla Walla (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) White Ishikura (True Leaf Market) |
| Perennial Onions (also suitable as annuals) | Imai Early Yellow (True Leaf Market) Red Burgundy (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Red Grano (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Southport White Globe (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Yellow Granex PRR (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Burpee) |
Types of Geographic Origins
The origin of onions is a great mystery among food historians. Some researchers suggest this kitchen staple is native to Central Asia, possibly in Iran and West Pakistan. From the same study, wild onions are drawn in ancient Egyptian pyramids and tombs way back 3200 B.C., depicting them as funeral offerings.
| Onion Geographic Origins | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| European and Mediterranean Onions | Ailsa Craig (Territorial Seed Company) Borrettana Cipollini or Cipollini Yellow (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company) Flat of Italy (Rare Seeds) Red of Florence (Rare Seeds) Walla Walla (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) |
| Central, North, and South American Onions | Almagro (Territorial Seed Company) Pacific Pearl (Territorial Seed Company) Patterson (Territorial Seed Company, Burpee) Southport White Globe (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Texas Super Sweet (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) |
| Asian Onions | Akatama Salad Red (Rare Seeds) Imai Early Yellow (True Leaf Market) Red Burgundy (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Red Spring (Territorial Seed Company) White Ishikura (True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) |
Types of Culinary Uses
From French onion soup to appetizing onion rings, the onion’s white flesh provides a natural fresh crunch aside from its bold aroma and strong flavor.
| Culinary Uses | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| Onions for Raw Applications | Apache (Territorial Seed Company) Red Baron (Territorial Seed Company) Red Grano (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Southport White Globe (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) White Grano (Eden Brothers) |
| Onions for Caramelizing/Stir-fry | Early White Grano PRR (True Leaf Market) Maui or Superex Yellow Hybrid (True Leaf Market) Talon (Territorial Seed Company) Texas Super Sweet (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) Walla Walla (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) |
| Onions for Soups/Stock | Cortland (Territorial Seed Company) Crystal White Wax (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Eclipse L303 (True Leaf Market) White Ishikura (True Leaf Market) Yellow Sweet Spanish (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, Rare Seeds) |
Types of Disease Resistance
Heirloom varieties tend to be prone to disease problems. Some heirloom varieties are bred to resist common plant diseases in onions, such as Botrytis leaf blight and purple blotch.
| Disease Resistance | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| Disease Resistant Onions | Candy Hybrid (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) Cortland (Territorial Seed Company) Crystal White Wax (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Red Carpet (Eden Brothers) Red Creole (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) |
| Susceptible Onions | Barletta (True Leaf Market) Eclipse L303 (True Leaf Market) Walla Walla (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) |
Types of Preferred Growing Conditions
Some onion varieties can thrive in a container and yield crop effectively. If you’re aiming to harvest large quantities, consider varieties for field planting.
| Preferred Growing Conditions | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| Greenhouse Onions | Eclipse L303 (True Leaf Market) Imai Early Yellow (True Leaf Market) Red Grano (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Southport White Globe (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) White Grano (Eden Brothers) |
| Field Onions | Almagro (Territorial Seed Company) Candy Hybrid (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) Red Mountain (Territorial Seed Company) Walla Walla (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) Yellow Sweet Spanish (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, Rare Seeds) |
| Container Onions | Crimson Forest (True Leaf Market) Crystal White Wax (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Heshiko (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Red Creole (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee) Ruby (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) |
Popular Varieties of Brown or Yellow Onions
Characterized by their brown to yellow skins, this onion type tends to have a mild flavor compared to others. These onions are common ingredients in many cuisines around the globe, including in Asian dishes, Italian sauces, and Spanish paellas. If you’re aiming for soft and caramelized onions (possibly for a French onion soup), you can opt for any of the varieties below.
| Variety | Description | Daylight Needs | Days to Maturity | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candy Hybrid | With similar characteristics to the Walla Walla variety, the Candy Hybrid can produce bulbs within 3 months under ideal conditions. Its white rings are best for fresh or raw applications. | Intermediate/Neutral | 90 to 95 days | Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee |
| Patterson | The brown onion is a great storage variety that can last anywhere between 10 to 12 months. | Long-day | 104 to 110 days | Territorial Seed Company, Burpee |
| Texas Super Sweet | Dr. Leonard Pike from Texas A&M University developed this onion variety that can weigh as much a pound. It is called the “million dollar baby” among other types. | Short-day | 110 to 175 days | Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee |
| Yellow Granex PRR | Resistant to pink root rot, the Yellow Granex PRR provides a sweet taste, suitable for cooked or fresh consumption. This variety comes in different names — Georgia Sweet, Noonday, and Vidalia. | Short-day | 110 to 160 days | Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Burpee |
| Yellow Sweet Spanish | Yellow Globe onions like this variety can be stored within 4 to 5 months. | Long-day | 100 to 110 days | Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, Rare Seeds |
Popular Varieties of Purple or Red Onions
This onion type is unmistakable due to its purple to burgundy skin color. You can expect stronger flavor from these varieties, making them perfect for raw consumption. However, some chefs add them sparingly as most varieties tend to have a peppery flavor.
| Variety | Description | Daylight Needs | Days to Maturity | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Creole | Developed in 1962, Red Creole is famous for its fresh and spicy flavor. Throw chopped Red Creole in salsas or sauces to add an extra kick! | Short-day | 110 to 115 days | Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market, Burpee |
| Red Grano | This variety is a versatile heirloom with sweet flavor that works well in burgers and wraps. The Red Grano thrives well in southern areas of Kansas and Oklahoma. | Short-day | 112 to 120 days | Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market |
| Red Mountain | Red Mountain is a storage onion type, offering mildly pungent flavor. Under the right conditions, they can be stored for 4 to 6 months. | Long-day | 72 to 105 days | Territorial Seed Company |
| Red Torpedo | Originally from a small Italian town, the Red Torpedo yields unique football- or spindle-shaped bulbs. When sliced, this variety is an excellent topping in sandwiches. | Intermediate/Neutral | 110 to 115 days | Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market |
| Ruby Red | Excellent for container or greenhouse planting, the Ruby Red can produce medium to large bulbs packed with mildly strong flavor. | Long-day | 110 to 125 days | Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market |
Popular Varieties of White Onions
With milder spice and flavor, white onions can add an exciting crunch to your meals. This onion type tends to have papery white skin and moist flesh — perfect for garnishing, salsa, and sauce-making.
| Variety | Description | Daylight Needs | Days to Maturity | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early White Grano PRR | This hybrid variety was specifically bred to resist pink root rot that affects onion plants. | Short-day | 100 to 110 days | True Leaf Market |
| Ringmaster White Sweet Spanish | The Ringmaster White Sweet Spanish has a firm single center, producing rings excellent for cooking onion rings. | Long-day | 105 to 110 days | Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company |
| Southport White Globe | Able to withstand cold climates, the Southport White Globe has a white flesh with slightly pungent taste. In the United States, it was first listed in 1906 by Charles Johnson. | Long-day | 70 to 110 days | Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market |
| Superstar | The Superstar is a hybrid onion variety, which won an All-America Selections award. Due to its neutral daylight needs, it can be planted anywhere in North America. Additionally, it is unsusceptible to pink root rot. | Intermediate/Neutral | 85 to 90 days | Territorial Seed Company |
| White Grano | If you’re searching for short-term storage onions, look no further. The White Grano is less pungent and resistant to pink root rot. | Short-day | 90 to 120 days | Eden Brothers |
Popular Varieties of Pearl Onions
Suitable for container or greenhouse planting, pearl onion varieties yield small white bulbs that come in different colors. From red to white to yellow, pearl onions can be enjoyed as garnishes or glazed as a side dish.
| Variety | Description | Daylight Needs | Days to Maturity | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal White Wax | Crystal White Wax is a type of onion producing tiny, pearl-like white bulbs ideal for cocktails and pickling. | Short-day | 90 to 120 days | Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market |
| Eclipse L303 | The Eclipse L303 flourishes well in the southern areas of the United States. These medium-sized bulbs are commonly added into soups and stews. | Short-day | 100 to 160 days | True Leaf Market |
| Pacific Pearl | This hybrid variety was first developed in Oregon. The plant produces marble-sized bulbs, which you can apply as garnish or use for pickling. | Intermediate/Neutral | 50 to 55 days | Territorial Seed Company |
Popular Varieties of Cipollini or Italian Pearl Onions
Cipollinis are characterized by their flat top. You can find them in a farmers market or local grocery store having both yellow and red varieties.
| Variety | Description | Daylight Needs | Days to Maturity | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barletta | This Italian cocktail heirloom variety produces a small bulb about 0.75-inch size. Barletta are also called Baby Pearl Onions and Cocktail Onions. | Short-day | 60 to 69 days | True Leaf Market |
| Borrettana Cipollini or Cipollini Yellow | This flat, coin-shaped onion variety stores well when braided. You can use slices of Cipollinis for kebab roasts and pickling. | Long-day | 85 to 110 days | Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company |
| Red Cipollini | The Red Cipollini is a deep-flavored Italian onion growing bulbs about 3 to 4 inches wide. | Long-day | 90 to 110 days | True Leaf Market |
Other Varieties of Onion
Other plants belonging to the onion family include leeks and shallots.
Popular Varieties of Leeks
A popular choice for stocks, leeks is a broadleaf plant belonging to the same family as onions. They come in a single white stalk with bundles of sprouting blue to dark green tops. When using it in the kitchen, it’s best to thoroughly wash your leeks as some grains of sand or soil can get into the primary stalk.
| Variety | Description | Days to Germination | Days to Maturity | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Flag | Known as Giant Musselburgh and Scotch Flag, the American Flag was first developed by the Department of Agriculture in 1870. It produces large green stalks with a delicate pear-white bulb. | 5 to 12 days | 90 to 105 days | Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market |
| Bandit | This cold hardy variety can resist splitting, maintaining a straight, rail-like form. | 10 to 16 days | 100 to 120 days | Territorial Seed Company |
| Carantan | New at gardening? Carantan leek is a great choice for planting as it requires minimal maintenance and is able to withstand poor soil quality. For the best flavor, this variety should be cooked. | 7 to 10 days | 95 to 110 days | True Leaf Market |
| Oslo | Enjoy stout stalks from this late-maturing variety that is resistant to bolting. | 5 to 12 days | 100 to 110 days | Territorial Seed Company |
| Tokyo Long White | A Japanese heirloom, the Tokyo Long White grows delicious white stalks with green leaves, which are staples to Asian soups, omelets, and stir-fry. | 7 to 14 days | 70 to 75 days | Eden Brothers |
Popular Varieties of Shallots
A cultivar of onion, shallot is a go-to onion in both Asian and French households. Skin color of shallots can be brown, gray, and red, depending on the variety.
| Variety | Description | Days to Germination | Days to Maturity | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambition | Called the “Rose of the Onion Family,” the Ambition shallots can be stored for as long as a year under ideal conditions. | 5 to 10 days | 100 to 120 days | Territorial Seed Company |
| Conservor | Conservors’ versatile flavor and easy-to-peel skins make them highly favored in the kitchen. This cold-hardy variety works well in meaty stir-fry dishes or fresh salad dressings. | 5 to 10 days | 100 to 110 days | Territorial Seed Company |
| Echalion Crème Brûlée | The first-ever shallot to bag a prize from the All-America Selections, the Crème Brûlée has a sweet-citrusy flavor and thin, rosy skins. | 7 to 12 days | 100 to 115 days | Territorial Seed Company |
Popular Varieties of Scallions or Spring Onions
Scallions lack a fully formed onion bulb, setting them apart from the rest of the onion family. They offer a milder onion flavor found in their green shoots. Chopped scallions are used as garnish in many Asian recipes —- from noodle soups to curries.
| Variety | Description | Days to Germination | Days to Maturity | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heshiko | Heshiko is a Japanese bunching green onion that grows 12 to 14 inches long. You can harvest them as a microgreen or have them to your meals in full maturity. | 7 to 10 days | 60 to 80 days | Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market |
| White Lisbon | This cold and heat resistant green onion can be grown during fall, spring, and summer. Its fresh and mild flavor can elevate your salads. | 7 to 10 days | 60 to 110 days | Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company |
| Parade | Parade spring onions stand out from the rest due to its uniform and upright structure. Under the right conditions, they can grow as tall as 14 inches. | 7 to 10 days | 65 to 70 days | Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company |
FAQ About Types of Onion
Which onion type is best for caramelizing?
Sweet onion varieties like yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing due to their innate sweetness, which further develops when cooked. Consider cooking Yellow Granex PRR or Walla Walla in olive oil or butter on your next meal. You can incorporate brown sugar for a sweeter flavor.
Which onion variety has a longer storage life?
You can prolong the storage life of onions by following proper harvesting and curing and attaining the best storage conditions. Among different types of onions, Copra, Red Zeppelin, Stuttgarter, and Sweet Sandwich are recommended by the Iowa State University due to their extended storage life.
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