North Holland Blood Red onions have rich crimson outer skins and round generous bulbs. They can be eaten raw or roasted but are also versatile enough that they can be picked early as a salad onion. They make an excellent companion plant with carrots to help deter carrot fly.
One of the most popular crops for the gardener, onions are a huge must for any allotment holder or for the gardener who has their own little vegetable garden at home, as they are so versatile and can be used for a variety of different things.
WHEN TO SOW
February to April
Where to Sow
Early sowing can be made underglass in pots or seed trays , sow seed on the surface of seed sowing compost and lightly cover with a sprinkling or vermiculite or compost , and place at a temperature of 14C. Outdoor sowings can be made in April , sow seed thinly in shallow drills 1.5cm (1/2in) deep, with rows spaced 30cm (12in) apart.
What to do next
Greenhouse sown seedlings can be pricked out into individual pots or modular trays. Move plants to a cold frame in April to harden off before planting outside 15cm (6in) apart. Outdoor sowings can be used as Salad bunching onions as required or thinned out to 15cm (6in) apart and left to mature as bulbs for storing.
Harvest
May to June as Salad Onions or August to September as bulbs.
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
Antibacterial and antiseptic properties due to the beneficial sulphur compounds, also a good source of anti-oxidant. Also high in Vitamin C, calcium and iron.
