Onion ‘Crusado’ (Spring Planting)

Where to Plant

Plant Onion ‘Crusado’ in an open, sunny position in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Before planting, remove weeds and work in well-rotted garden compost if the soil needs improving. Avoid freshly manured ground and soil that remains waterlogged.

When to Plant

Plant ‘Crusado’ sets from February to April, once the ground is workable. Avoid planting into frozen, waterlogged or particularly cold, wet soil and wait for conditions to improve if necessary.

Planting

Plant each set with the pointed end facing upwards and the tip just showing above the soil surface. Space sets 10–15cm apart, with 25–30cm between rows. Gently firm the soil around them and water after planting.

Watering & Feeding

‘Crusado’ has a particularly strong root system and performs well in dry conditions, but developing onions will still benefit from water during prolonged dry spells. Keep plants watered while the bulbs are actively swelling if the soil becomes dry. As the crop reaches maturity and the foliage begins to yellow and fall naturally, stop watering and allow the bulbs to mature.

On poorer soils, apply a balanced vegetable feed as growth gets underway. Avoid excessive high-nitrogen feeding later in the season, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of bulb development.

Growing in Containers

‘Crusado’ can also be grown in a large, well-drained container. Give the sets enough room to develop full-sized onions and keep the compost evenly moist during dry weather, particularly while the bulbs are swelling.

Keep Them Weed Free

Onions have relatively shallow roots, so weeds can quickly compete for water and nutrients. Weed regularly, taking care not to damage the developing bulbs or roots.

Protecting Newly Planted Sets

Birds can sometimes pull newly planted onion sets from the soil before they've rooted properly. Check them regularly and gently push any disturbed sets back into place. Fleece or suitable netting can be used temporarily until the sets are securely rooted.

Good Companions

Grow onions alongside crops such as carrots, beetroot, lettuce and other leafy salads. Their upright growth means they fit neatly into a mixed vegetable plot without taking up too much space.

Making the Most of Your Bed

Quick-growing crops such as radishes and salad leaves can be grown nearby and harvested while your onions are still developing. Make sure the onions aren't crowded and continue to receive plenty of light.

Crop Rotation

Avoid growing onions where onions, garlic, leeks or shallots have recently been grown. These crops belong to the same plant family and can be affected by some of the same soil-borne pests and diseases.

Planning Ahead

Where possible, leave three to four years before growing onion-family crops in the same spot again. Once your onions have been lifted, the cleared ground can be used for later-sown salads and other quick-growing vegetables.

When to Harvest

‘Crusado’ is an early-maturing onion, generally ready to harvest from August into September. Exact timing will depend on planting time, location and growing conditions. Allow the foliage to yellow and fall over naturally rather than bending it down.

How to Harvest

Choose a dry day and carefully loosen the soil beneath the onions with a garden fork before lifting them. Handle the bulbs gently, as damaged onions are less suitable for storing.

Drying Your Onions

Leave freshly lifted onions somewhere dry and airy until the foliage, necks and outer skins are thoroughly dry. In fine weather they can be dried outside; if conditions are damp, move them somewhere covered with plenty of ventilation.

Storing Your Crop

‘Crusado’ has tough skins and good keeping qualities. Once thoroughly cured, store sound, undamaged onions somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated. The bulbs can keep for several months.

Top Tip

Use any bruised, damaged or thick-necked onions first and keep the soundest, best-cured bulbs for longer-term storage.

Flavour

‘Crusado’ produces firm, well-flavoured yellow onions that make a useful everyday crop for the kitchen.

Best Enjoyed

Use them in soups, casseroles, sauces, curries and roasts, or cook them slowly as the flavour base for savoury dishes. Their firm, round bulbs are also straightforward to peel and prepare.

Make the Most of Your Crop

Use smaller or damaged onions first after harvesting and cure the best-quality bulbs for storage. With its good keeping qualities, ‘Crusado’ can provide home-grown onions for the kitchen for several months after harvest.

Top Tip

Keep stored onions somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated rather than in sealed containers, checking them occasionally and removing any bulbs that begin to soften.

What to Expect When They Arrive
Your onions are supplied as dormant sets in a netted bag, ready for planting. Sets are sold by weight, so the number of individual bulbs you receive may vary slightly from the approximate count shown on our website.

Ready to Plant
Your onion sets can be planted out as soon as they arrive. Each small bulb will establish roots and grow on to produce a mature onion ready for harvesting.

If You Can't Plant Straight Away
Remove the sets from their delivery packaging and keep them in their netted bag somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated until you're ready to plant. Check them occasionally and plant as soon as conditions allow.