21 Fastest Growing Onions [Beginner’s Guide]

Onions are a staple in kitchens around the world, adding flavor, aroma, and texture to countless dishes. Growing your own onions can be a rewarding endeavor, and choosing the right variety can significantly impact your gardening experience. In this article, we will explore the 21 best and fastest-growing onion varieties that are sure to yield bountiful harvests and satisfy your culinary needs.

21 Fastest Growing Onions [Beginner’s Guide]

1. Red Baron

Red Baron onions are known for their deep red color and impressive growth rate. They are often used in salads, sandwiches, and salsas, adding a mild yet distinct flavor.

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2. Candy

Candy onions are a popular choice due to their sweet and mild taste. They mature quickly, making them an ideal option for gardeners seeking early yields.

3. Walla Walla

Originating from Washington State, Walla Walla onions are renowned for their large size and sweet flavor. They mature rapidly and are perfect for enjoying fresh.

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4. White Lisbon

White Lisbon onions are a favorite for their versatility and quick growth. These bunching onions are perfect for both fresh consumption and cooking.

5. Ebenezer

Ebenezer onions are characterized by their round shape and quick growth cycle. They have a strong flavor that’s excellent for cooking.

6. Red Creole

Red Creole onions thrive in warm climates and have a fast growth rate. They offer a spicy kick to various dishes and are often used in Mexican and Creole cuisines.

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7. Valencia

Valencia onions have a vibrant orange hue and a delightful mild taste. They are ready for harvest relatively quickly and can be enjoyed in salads or sautéed dishes.

8. Tokyo Long White

These elongated onions have a mild and delicate flavor. Tokyo Long White onions are perfect for garnishes, salads, and pickling, and they mature swiftly.

9. Evergreen Hardy White

As the name suggests, these onions are hardy and quick to mature. They have a distinct flavor and can be used as scallions or allowed to grow into full-sized bulbs.

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10. Red Wethersfield

Known for their deep purplish-red color, Red Wethersfield onions grow rapidly and add a rich flavor to cooked dishes.

11. Ailsa Craig

Ailsa Craig onions are famed for their colossal size and sweet taste. They grow quickly and are often showcased in gardening competitions.

12. Apache

Apache onions are a bunching variety that grows rapidly. They offer a mild flavor and are perfect for salads, garnishes, and snacking.

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13. Cippolini

Cippolini onions are small, flat, and sweet. They mature swiftly and are frequently used in roasting and caramelizing.

14. Red Marble

Red Marble onions are visually appealing with their red and white patterned skin. They grow rapidly and have a pleasantly pungent flavor.

15. Purplette

Purplette onions are miniatures with a rich purple color. They grow quickly and can be harvested as scallions or allowed to mature for small bulbs.

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16. Patterson

Patterson onions have a classic onion flavor and a quick growth rate. They store well and are great for cooking and flavoring various dishes.

17. Nabechan

Nabechan onions are mild, small, and fast-growing. They’re perfect for salads, pickling, and garnishes.

18. Texas Early White

These onions are known for their early maturity and mild taste. They are versatile in the kitchen and can be used in a variety of dishes.

19. Italian Red Torpedo

With a unique torpedo shape, these onions offer a subtly sweet flavor. They grow rapidly and are excellent for grilling or roasting.

20. Red Zeppelin

Red Zeppelin onions have a quick growth cycle and bring mild to moderate spiciness to dishes. They store well and add a pop of color to meals.

21. Sierra Blanca

Sierra Blanca onions are large, sweet, and mature swiftly. They’re a popular choice for gardeners looking to enjoy a bumper crop of mild-flavored onions.

Which Onion is Easiest to Grow?

Among the varieties of onions, the Allium fistulosum, commonly known as the “Green Onion” or “Scallion,” is often considered the easiest to grow. Green onions are quick to germinate, require minimal care, and can be grown in various settings, including gardens, pots, and even indoors. They have a relatively short growing period, making them an ideal choice for beginners or those looking for a hassle-free gardening experience.

What Makes Onions Grow Faster?

Several factors contribute to the faster growth of onions. Adequate sunlight is crucial for photosynthesis, which promotes growth. Well-draining soil with good fertility ensures proper nutrient uptake. Adequate spacing between onion plants allows for optimal air circulation, reducing the risk of disease. Additionally, providing consistent moisture and using the right fertilizers can accelerate onion growth.

Growth Speed of Onions

Onions have varying growth speeds depending on the variety and environmental conditions. Generally, onion sets (small bulbs) can mature in around 8 to 12 weeks, while onions grown from seeds might take 90 to 120 days to reach maturity. Green onions, on the other hand, can be harvested in as little as 20 to 30 days after planting.

How Many Months Do Onions Take to Mature?

The time it takes for onions to mature depends on the type and variety. Generally, onion varieties can be categorized into short-day, intermediate-day, and long-day types. Short-day onions typically mature in around 90 to 110 days, intermediate-day onions in about 110 to 130 days, and long-day onions can take 130 to 150 days or more to mature.

Which Onion Lasts the Longest?

Among the onion varieties, the storage or “keeper” onions are known for their ability to last the longest. Varieties like Yellow Sweet Spanish, Copra, and Stuttgarter are renowned for their excellent storage qualities, often lasting several months when stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated environment.

Which Onion is More Powerful?

When it comes to the pungency or “power” of onions, the Allium cepa variety, which includes common cooking onions, can vary widely. Onions with higher levels of sulfur compounds tend to be more pungent. Varieties like the Red Creole and Red Baron are known for their strong flavor and higher pungency.

Best Onions to Grow

The choice of the best onions to grow depends on your location, climate, and preferences. Popular choices for different regions include Walla Walla and Candy onions for milder climates, Yellow Sweet Spanish and Copra for storage, and Red Creole for spicier options.

Best Fertilizer for Onions

Onions thrive in well-draining soil with balanced nutrients. A fertilizer with a ratio like 10-10-10 (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) is suitable. Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure before planting provides organic matter and nutrients for healthy growth.

What Causes Onions to Stop Growing?

Several factors can cause onions to stop growing, including insufficient sunlight, poor soil drainage, inadequate spacing, overwatering, lack of nutrients, and diseases like onion downy mildew. Addressing these issues promptly can help prevent stunted growth.

5 Types of Onions

Common Onion (Allium cepa): The standard cooking onion, available in various colors and sizes.

Red Onion (Allium cepa): Known for its purplish-red skin and mild to pungent flavor.

Yellow Onion (Allium cepa): A versatile cooking onion with a strong flavor and a classic choice for recipes.

Sweet Onion (Allium cepa): Milder and sweeter than other varieties, often enjoyed raw.

Green Onion (Allium fistulosum): Also known as scallions, these have mild, onion-like flavor and are often used in garnishes.

Best Short-Day Onion Varieties

Red Creole: A spicy red onion suited for short-day regions.

Yellow Granex: Known for its sweetness and suitable for short-day climates.

Texas Early White: A mild short-day variety with good storage qualities.

Onion Variety List

• Red Baron
• Candy
• Walla Walla
• White Lisbon
• Ebenezer
• Red Creole
• Valencia
• Tokyo Long White
• Evergreen Hardy White
• Red Wethersfield
• Ailsa Craig
• Apache
• Cippolini
• Red Marble
• Purplette
• Patterson
• Nabechan
• Texas Early White
• Italian Red Torpedo
• Red Zeppelin
• Sierra Blanca

How Long Do Onions Take to Grow from Seed?

Onions grown from seeds can take anywhere from 90 to 120 days to mature, depending on the variety and environmental conditions.

Long Day Red Onion Varieties

Red Wethersfield: Known for its deep purplish-red color and rich flavor.

Italian Red Torpedo: Unique torpedo shape, mildly sweet taste.

How Long Do Onions Take to Grow?

Onions can take varying times to grow depending on the variety and type. Short-day onions may take around 90 to 110 days, intermediate-day onions about 110 to 130 days, and long-day onions 130 to 150 days or more.

Onion Varieties PDF

For a comprehensive list of onion varieties and their characteristics, a PDF resource from agricultural extension services or reputable gardening websites can be a valuable tool for selecting the right varieties for your region and preferences.

Conclusion

Growing your own onions can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, especially when you choose from the vast array of fast-growing varieties available. Whether you prefer the sweet, mild taste of Candy onions or the vibrant color of Red Wethersfield onions, there’s a variety to suit every gardener’s taste and culinary needs. Experiment with different types, and soon you’ll be enjoying the satisfaction of harvesting your very own homegrown onions.