Walla Walla Onions: Overview and Growing Guide

**Latin Name:** *Allium cepa* (Walla Walla is a specific cultivar)

#### Description:

Walla Walla onions are large, sweet onions known for their mild flavor and juiciness. They have a pale golden-brown skin with a firm white interior. These onions are prized for their ability to be eaten raw or cooked, adding a sweet and savory element to dishes.

#### History:

Walla Walla onions trace their origins to Corsica, where French soldier Peter Pieri brought seeds to the Walla Walla Valley in Washington State in the late 1800s. Over time, local farmers cultivated these onions, selecting for their sweetness and cold-hardiness. They gained fame as a regional specialty and are celebrated as Washington's state vegetable.

#### Interesting Facts:

- Walla Walla onions are named after the Walla Walla Valley in Washington State.

- They are one of the few sweet onions that can grow well in cooler climates.

- The sweetness results from low sulfur content in the soil where they're grown.

- They have been recognized for their unique quality with a designation as an official regional product.

### Growing Walla Walla Onions from Seed

1. **Starting Seeds Indoors:**

   - Begin 10–12 weeks before the last expected frost.

   - Fill seed trays or pots with a well-draining seed-starting mix.

   - Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and ½ inch apart, covering lightly with soil.

   - Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

   - Maintain temperatures around 65–75°F for optimal germination.

   - Thin seedlings to 1 inch apart when they are about 2–3 inches tall.

2. **Transplanting Outdoors:**

   - Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days.

   - Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-draining soil.

   - Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure.

   - Space seedlings 4–6 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart.

   - Plant seedlings with the base just below the soil surface.

3. **Direct Sowing:**

   - In mild climates, seeds can be directly sown outdoors 2–4 weeks before the last frost.

   - Cover with ¼ inch of soil and keep evenly moist.

 Care Tips:

- Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods.

- Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.

- Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizers late in the growing season, as they promote foliage at the expense of bulb growth.

### Days to Harvest:

- Walla Walla onions typically take **90–120 days** from transplanting to reach maturity.

- Harvest when the tops begin to yellow and fall over, signaling the bulbs have stopped growing

### Harvesting and Storage:

- Gently lift bulbs from the soil, taking care not to damage them.

- Cure in a warm, dry place for 7–10 days before storing.

- Due to their high water content, Walla Walla onions have a shorter storage life than other onion varieties and are best consumed within a few weeks.