Onion, 'Red Long of Tropea'

This classical Italian onion with its torpedo shaped bulbs has a sweet mild flavour. It’s wonderful baked whole with a roast. It doesn’t store well so should be eaten straight after harvest which is usually from mid-summer until early autumn. Sow September and October in southern districts and two months earlier in the north.

When to sow: July, August and early September
Where to sow: In drills in a prepared garden bed
Depth to sow: 1cm
Aspect:  Full sun or as sunny a spot as possible.
Soil:  Prepared, well drained, fertilised soil. Add   lime if soil is too acid.
Spacing: Between plants: Thin to 5 or 6cm Between rows: 40cm

Directions:  Plant seed in drills during July, August or early September. Thin or transplant to 5 or 6cm apart using the thinnings as scallions. Harvest at the 80% top down that is when the tops start to lay on the ground. Put into an airy place out of the sun to cure. Store inside the house.