Onion ‘Red Baron’ (Spring Planting)

Where to Plant

Plant Onion ‘Red Baron’ in an open, sunny position with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Before planting, remove weeds and work in well-rotted garden compost if needed. Avoid freshly manured ground and soil that stays wet, as onions can rot in waterlogged conditions.

When to Plant

Plant ‘Red Baron’ sets from March to April, once the soil is workable. If the ground is frozen, waterlogged or particularly cold and wet, wait for conditions to improve before planting.

Planting

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

Growing in Containers

‘Red Baron’ can also be grown in a large, well-drained container. Give the sets enough room to develop full-sized onions and position the container in full sun. Keep the compost evenly moist during dry weather, as container-grown onions will usually need more regular watering than those growing in the ground.

Watering & Feeding

Once established, onions generally only need additional watering during prolonged dry spells. Keep them well watered in dry weather while the bulbs are actively developing and swelling, as a lack of moisture at this stage can limit their final size. As the crop reaches maturity and the foliage begins to yellow and fall over naturally, stop watering to allow the bulbs to mature ready for lifting.

Well-prepared soil should provide a good start. On poorer soils, give plants a balanced vegetable feed as growth gets underway. Avoid excessive high-nitrogen feeding, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of good bulb development.

Keep Them Weed Free

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

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.

Watch for Bolting

Sudden changes in temperature and other growing stresses can cause onions to produce a flower stem prematurely. If ‘Red Baron’ starts to bolt, remove the flower stem and use that onion first after harvesting, as bolted bulbs are less suitable for long-term storage.

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. Just 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

‘Red Baron’ is a mid- to late-summer cropping onion. The bulbs are ready to lift once the foliage begins to yellow and naturally fall over, typically from later summer depending on planting time and growing conditions.

How to Harvest

Choose a dry day and carefully loosen the soil beneath the onions with a garden fork. Lift them gently to avoid bruising or damaging the bulbs, particularly those you intend to store.

Drying Your Onions

Dry freshly lifted onions thoroughly before putting them into storage. Leave them somewhere warm, dry and airy until the foliage, necks and outer skins are completely dry and papery. In fine weather they can be dried outside; in damp conditions move them somewhere covered with plenty of ventilation.

How Long Will They Store?

One of ‘Red Baron's’ strengths is its keeping quality. Properly cured, healthy bulbs can be stored through winter and well into spring in suitable conditions. Keep them somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated in net bags, slatted trays or plaits, and check them regularly for any bulbs beginning to soften or deteriorate.

Top Tip

Choose the firmest, best-ripened bulbs for long-term storage and use any damaged, thick-necked or bolted onions first. The better the bulbs are cured before storing, the longer they're likely to keep.

Flavour

‘Red Baron’ has a strong, full onion flavour with more bite than a mild salad onion. Slice through the firm white flesh and you'll reveal the distinctive dark-red rings that give this variety so much character.

Best Enjoyed

Make the most of its colour and flavour by slicing it raw into salads, sandwiches, burgers and salsas. Cooking mellows the flavour and brings out its sweetness, making ‘Red Baron’ equally useful for roasting, sauces, curries and casseroles.

Make the Most of the Colour

Use freshly harvested onions raw or lightly cooked when you want those red and white rings to stand out. The colour will soften with longer cooking, but the rich onion flavour still makes it a useful choice for cooked dishes.

Top Tip

Slice ‘Red Baron’ into thin rings or wedges when serving it raw rather than finely chopping it. You'll keep more of its distinctive red-ringed flesh on show.

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.