Rossa di Milano Onion
Allium cepa
Germination ~ 91% ODec 2024 Packed for 2025
Seeds per packet ~ 80
The 'Rossa di Milano' onion is an heirloom variety from northern Italy, particularly associated with the Milan region. A fantastic red storage onion, it has been cultivated for centuries and is prized for its excellent storage capabilities and rich flavor, making it a staple in Italian cuisine.
Appearance: Medium to large, teardrop or torpedo-shaped. Deep, glossy red to purplish-red outer skin. The flesh is white with light pinkish-red layers. Typically 3–4 inches in diameter when mature.
Growing Tips: 'Rossa di Milano' performs very well when grown from seed. Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost or sow directly in early spring in well-draining, fertile soil. Prefers full sun (at least 6–8 hours per day). Plant in loose, well-drained, and rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Plants should be 3-6 inches apart, in rows 12-24 inches apart. Onions can also be planted in bunches, with 2-3 seedlings next to each other every foot or so. Keep consistently moist but avoid overwatering, as onions dislike soggy conditions. Our growers even noticed a strong resistance to the dreaded purple blotch disease (caused by the Alternaria fungus) compared to other heirlooms and hybrids.
Use a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) during early growth, reducing nitrogen as bulbs develop to prevent excessive top growth. Typically matures in 100–120 days; harvest when tops begin to fall over and dry. Cure in a warm, dry place for 2–3 weeks before storage. The 'Rossa di Milano' onion is an excellent storage variety—can last for months when properly cured and kept in a cool, dry place.
