• Small Garden Sowing - Onion - Ailsa Craig
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Onion - Ailsa Craig - 100 seeds

Onion - Ailsa Craig - 100 seeds

£0.39
£0.39
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More than 10 in stock

100 seed count

Ailsa Craig onion is a large, globe-shaped variety known for its mild, sweet flavor and impressive size, often reaching up to 1 kg (2.2 lbs) under ideal growing conditions. This heirloom variety, originating from Scotland, is a long-day onion that thrives in cooler climates. It has golden-brown skin, white flesh, and a crisp texture, making it perfect for fresh use in salads, sandwiches, and cooking. While Ailsa Craig onions are not known for long-term storage, they are prized for their excellent flavor and are a favorite among exhibition growers due to their potential for massive size. They typically take around 100–120 days to mature.
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Planting Guide

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Sow

Sowing and Growing Guide

Onion - Ailsa Craig

Indoor Sowing

  • Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date.
  • Fill seed trays or small pots with a fine seed-starting mix.
  • Sow seeds 1 cm deep and lightly cover with soil.
  • Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of 15-20°C for optimal germination.
  • Seeds should germinate within 7-14 days.
  • Once seedlings are about 10 cm tall, trim them to encourage stronger growth.
  • Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for 7-10 days.

Outdoor Sowing

  • Direct sow seeds outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil is workable.
  • Choose a sunny location with well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost.
  • Sow seeds 1 cm deep and 2-3 cm apart in rows spaced 30 cm apart.
  • Keep the soil moist and weed-free during germination.
  • Once seedlings are established, thin them to 10-15 cm apart to allow room for bulb development.

Growing

  • Water regularly, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  • Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Feed with a high-potassium fertilizer every few weeks to encourage strong bulb growth.
  • As onions mature, reduce watering to allow the bulbs to cure properly.
  • Harvest when the tops start to yellow and fall over.
  • After harvesting, cure onions in a warm, dry place for 2-3 weeks before storing.