The Best Types of Onions to Grow in New York

Onions are a versatile and essential crop in any kitchen garden, and New York’s climate provides ideal growing conditions for a variety of onion types. With its cold winters and warm summers, New York’s growing season allows for both short-day and long-day onion varieties, though long-day onions tend to perform better in this region due to the length of daylight during the summer months. Here’s a look at the best types of onions to grow in New York.

1. Walla Walla

Walla Walla onions are a favorite for their sweet, mild flavor and large bulbs. This long-day onion thrives in New York’s northern regions, where the extended daylight hours help produce its characteristic large, juicy bulbs. They are perfect for fresh eating, grilling, or adding to salads.

  • Days to maturity: 90-120 days
  • Flavor: Sweet
  • Growing season: Spring

2. Yellow Sweet Spanish

Yellow Sweet Spanish onions are another great long-day variety, known for their large, globe-shaped bulbs and slightly sweet flavor. They are commonly used in cooking due to their balanced flavor and ability to store well over the winter. This makes them a popular choice for home gardeners who want onions for both fresh use and long-term storage.

  • Days to maturity: 100-110 days
  • Flavor: Mildly sweet
  • Growing season: Spring and fall

3. Red Zeppelin

Red Zeppelin onions are a vibrant long-day red onion variety that adds color and a mild, slightly pungent flavor to dishes. These onions are particularly hardy and perform well in New York’s climate, developing firm bulbs that store well. Red Zeppelin onions are often used raw in salads, salsas, or for pickling.

  • Days to maturity: 100-110 days
  • Flavor: Mild, slightly sharp
  • Growing season: Spring

4. Cortland

Cortland onions are a popular yellow storage onion variety that grows well in New York’s climate. This long-day onion is particularly suited to cold storage, making it ideal for gardeners who want a dependable winter onion supply. Cortland onions have a sharp, pungent flavor when fresh but mellow out over time, making them versatile for cooking.

  • Days to maturity: 105 days
  • Flavor: Pungent
  • Growing season: Spring

5. Copra

Copra onions are well-known for their exceptional storage qualities, making them a staple for gardeners in colder climates like New York. This long-day onion produces small to medium, firm bulbs with a strong, pungent flavor. Although Copra onions are not as sweet as other varieties, their ability to last through the winter makes them ideal for cooking during the colder months.

  • Days to maturity: 100-110 days
  • Flavor: Strong, pungent
  • Growing season: Spring

6. Ailsa Craig

Ailsa Craig onions are a large, heirloom variety known for their mild, sweet flavor. Although they are not the best for long-term storage, their impressive size and sweetness make them ideal for fresh eating or grilling. This variety does well in New York’s long growing season and is perfect for gardeners looking for a large onion variety.

  • Days to maturity: 95-100 days
  • Flavor: Mild, sweet
  • Growing season: Spring

7. Candy

Candy onions are a versatile hybrid variety that can tolerate both long and intermediate days, making them a good choice for New York gardens. They are known for their mildly sweet flavor and can be used fresh or stored for several months. Their adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions makes them a reliable onion variety for both experienced and beginner gardeners.

  • Days to maturity: 85-90 days
  • Flavor: Mildly sweet
  • Growing season: Spring

Growing Tips for Onions in New York

  • Soil preparation: Onions require well-drained, loose soil rich in organic matter. Ensure the soil has a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0).
  • Planting time: In New York, onions are typically planted in early spring once the soil can be worked, about 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost. For long-day varieties, it’s important to plant early to take advantage of the long summer days.
  • Spacing: Onions should be spaced about 4-6 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper bulb development.
  • Watering: Onions need consistent moisture throughout their growing season, especially during the bulb-forming stage. Water deeply but avoid waterlogging the soil.
  • Fertilization: Onions benefit from nitrogen-rich fertilizers in the early growing stages. Once bulbs begin to form, switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage bulb development.
  • Harvesting: Onions are ready for harvest when the tops begin to yellow and fall over. Allow the onions to cure in a dry, well-ventilated area before storing them for winter use.

Conclusion

New York’s long summer days and cold winters provide an ideal environment for growing a variety of long-day onion types. Whether you prefer sweet onions like Walla Walla and Candy or strong storage varieties like Copra and Cortland, there are many options to suit your garden’s needs. With proper planting, care, and storage, New York gardeners can enjoy a successful onion harvest year after year.