How to Grow Strawberry Onions for a Sweet Treat

Strawberry onions are a unique variety of sweet onion grown in Plant City, Florida. While they are called “strawberry” onions, they do not actually taste like strawberries! Instead, they are prized for their mild, sweet flavor that makes them perfect for eating raw. If you want to add something special to your garden or love sweet onions, growing strawberry onions is surprisingly easy as long as you follow some key tips.

Strawberry onions are named because they are grown in the strawberry fields of Plant City, Florida. They thrive on the water and fertilizer given to the strawberry plants. While they used to be grown only around the perimeter of the fields, their popularity has led to expanded production.

The harvest season for strawberry onions runs from early February through mid-March. They are only available for a short window each year. Once discovered, many gardeners anxiously await the chance to order them by mail for shipment across the country.

So why are strawberry onions so special? Most onions cause teary eyes and have a strong, pungent flavor when raw Strawberry onions are the complete opposite Their taste is sweet and mild, making them perfect for eating raw in salads, on sandwiches, or even as a snack. They can be enjoyed caramelized or grilled too, but their delicate flavor shines when enjoyed fresh.

Growing Conditions for Strawberry Onions

Strawberry onions require a long warm growing season to reach maturity. This makes them best suited for planting in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 10. Areas like Florida Southern California, and parts of Texas provide idealconditions. If you live in a cooler region, growing strawberry onions is still possible by starting the seeds early indoors.

The plants need full sun exposure and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Amend the planting area with compost or aged manure before sowing. A soil pH between 6.0-6.8 is ideal.

Strawberry onions are not fussy about soil but need consistent moisture. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Too much water can cause bulbs to rot. Add mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and reduce weeds.

When to Plant Strawberry Onion Seeds

Timing is important for a successful strawberry onion crop. If starting seeds outdoors, plant 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date. This gives plants time to become established before warm weather kicks growth into high gear.

For cooler climates, begin seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the outdoor planting date. Use a seed starting mix and grow lights to help seeds germinate at 60-70°F. Harden off seedlings before transplanting them outside.

Plant seeds 1⁄4-1⁄2 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart once they reach 3-4 inches tall. Closer spacing results in smaller bulbs.

Strawberry onions can also be grown from transplants ordered from specialty growers. This skips the seed starting process. Time planting so transplants have 4-6 weeks to become established before summer.

Growing and Caring for Strawberry Onions

Caring for strawberry onions is relatively simple:

• Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not saturated. Add mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

• Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea once plants are established.

• Weed carefully around onion plants to avoid damaging shallow roots.

• Monitor for pests like onion maggots, thrips, and spider mites. Remove by hand or use organic insecticidal soap if infestations occur.

• As bulbs enlarge, push soil toward plants to cover exposed sections of the bulb. This prevents sunscald.

Harvesting Strawberry Onion Bulbs

Green onion tops can be snipped as needed once they reach 6-8 inches tall. For fully mature bulbs, time is of the essence!

Begin checking plants in early summer. Gently push soil away from the base and feel for bulb swelling. Strawberry onions send up a tall seed stalk when nearly ready to harvest.

Use a garden fork to carefully lift bulbs once about one third of the stalk has gone to seed. Pat off soil, leaving some attached. Cut tops 1⁄2 inch above the bulb.

Cure bulbs in a warm, dry spot out of direct sunlight for 1-2 weeks. Trim and store cured bulbs in a cool pantry or cellar. With proper curing and storage, they will last 2-3 months.

Enjoying the Sweet Flavor of Homegrown Strawberry Onions

With a quick growth cycle from seeds or transplants, strawberry onions are a fun, novel crop for gardeners willing to do a bit of planning. Their legendary sweetness and unique, mild bite make them highly addictive once tasted! A household staple in the South, these gourmet onions can add special early season flavor to any kitchen.