HybridContainer OK

Candy Onion

Allium cepa

Slightly flattened yellow onion has potential for large size, especially when sown for overwintering in its optimum 33-40° latitude range. A Walla Walla-type for growing farther south. Also offered as plants.

Harvest

100-110d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

5–10

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

12-18 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Candy Onion in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 allium →

Zone Map

Click a state to update dates

Candy Onion · Zones 5–10

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy to moderate

Spacing4-6 inches

SoilRich, well-drained soil with high organic matter content

pH6.2-6.8

Water1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture important

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorExceptionally sweet and mild, very low sulfur content

ColorGolden-yellow skin with white flesh

Size3-4 inches diameter, medium to large

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	May – June	August – October
Zone 4	—	—	April – June	August – October
Zone 5	—	—	April – May	July – November
Zone 6	—	—	April – May	July – November
Zone 7	—	—	March – May	July – November
Zone 8	—	—	March – April	June – December
Zone 9	—	—	February – March	May – December
Zone 10	—	—	January – March	May – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet. Maintenance: Medium. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Flowers wither and convert to bulblets

Type: Capsule.

Harvest time: Summer

Bloom time: Summer

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Candy Onions store for 2-4 months in cool (32-40°F), dry conditions with good air circulation. Unlike storage onions, these sweet varieties have higher water content and softer necks, limiting long-term storage. Store cured bulbs in mesh bags or ventilated crates—never in plastic bags which trap moisture.

For shorter-term storage, keep uncured bulbs refrigerated for up to 3 weeks, perfect for showcasing their sweet, crisp texture. Slice and freeze on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags for 8-10 months—ideal for cooked dishes though texture becomes soft. Candy Onions make excellent pickled onions due to their mild flavor and firm texture. Their low sulfur content also makes them perfect for dehydrating into sweet onion powder, though they're honestly too delicious fresh to preserve extensively.

History & Origin

Candy Onion represents the modern era of sweet onion breeding, developed in the late 20th century as plant breeders focused on creating onions specifically for fresh consumption rather than storage. This hybrid emerged from breeding programs that prioritized reducing sulfur compounds responsible for onions' sharp bite and tear-inducing properties.

The variety was bred to combine the sweetness traits found in famous regional onions like Vidalia and Walla Walla with the reliability and uniformity that home gardeners need. Unlike these location-specific sweet onions that depend on unique soil conditions, Candy Onion was designed to produce consistent sweetness across various growing conditions.

Modern sweet onion breeding really accelerated in the 1980s and 1990s as consumer demand grew for milder, more versatile onions. Candy Onion exemplifies this trend toward 'dessert onions'—varieties so mild they can be eaten raw like fruit. The variety's development reflects changing American eating habits, where fresh salsas, salads, and lighter cooking styles created demand for onions that enhance rather than overpower other flavors.

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer, Rabbits

Considerations

-Toxic: Low severity

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Carrots

Onions repel carrot flies while carrots help break up soil for onion bulb development

Tomatoes

Onions deter aphids, spider mites, and hornworms from tomato plants

Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli)

Onions repel cabbage worms, flea beetles, and other brassica pests

Lettuce

Onions provide natural pest protection while lettuce acts as a living mulch

Peppers

Onions deter aphids and other soft-bodied insects that attack pepper plants

Strawberries

Onions repel slugs and aphids that commonly damage strawberry plants

Roses

Onions help prevent black spot and aphid infestations on roses

Cucumber

Onions repel cucumber beetles and other pests while not competing for nutrients

Keep Apart

Beans

Onions can inhibit nitrogen fixation and stunt the growth of bean plants

Peas

Onions release compounds that can reduce pea plant growth and pod development

Asparagus

Both compete for similar soil nutrients and onions can inhibit asparagus spear production

Nutrition Facts

Calories

40kcal(2%)

Protein

1.1g(2%)

Fiber

1.7g(6%)

Carbs

9.34g(3%)

Fat

0.1g(0%)

Vitamin C

7.4mg(8%)

Vitamin A

0mcg(0%)

Vitamin K

0.4mcg(0%)

Iron

0.21mg(1%)

Calcium

23mg(2%)

Potassium

146mg(3%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #170000)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good hybrid vigor with resistance to pink root and basal rot

Common Pests

Onion maggot, thrips, cutworms

Diseases

Downy mildew, purple blotch, neck rot

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Candy Onion take to grow from seed?▼

Candy Onions take 100-110 days from transplanting to harvest, plus 10-12 weeks for indoor seed starting. Total time from seed to harvest is approximately 5.5-6 months. Start seeds indoors in late winter, transplant in early spring when soil can be worked, and harvest in mid to late summer when tops begin falling over naturally.

Can you grow Candy Onions in containers?▼

Yes, Candy Onions grow well in containers at least 8-10 inches deep with excellent drainage. Use a container 12+ inches wide to accommodate proper 4-6 inch spacing between bulbs. Choose a high-quality potting mix enriched with compost, and plan for more frequent watering since containers dry out faster than garden beds.

What does Candy Onion taste like compared to regular onions?▼

Candy Onions have exceptionally sweet, mild flavor with very low sulfur content—you can bite into them like an apple without the sharp bite or tears. They're crisp and juicy with a clean, pleasant sweetness that enhances rather than overpowers other ingredients. Much milder than yellow storage onions but more flavorful than white onions.

When should I plant Candy Onion seeds?▼

Start Candy Onion seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before your last expected frost date. In most zones, this means starting seeds in late January to early March. Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperature reaches 50°F consistently and can be worked easily, typically 2-4 weeks before last frost.

Are Candy Onions good for beginners?▼

Yes, Candy Onions are excellent for beginners due to their hybrid vigor, disease resistance, and forgiving nature. They're easier than storage onions since you don't need to master long-term curing techniques. The main requirements are consistent watering and rich soil—both manageable for new gardeners with rewarding results.

Can I save seeds from Candy Onions?▼

No, Candy Onion is a hybrid variety, meaning saved seeds won't produce plants true to the parent. Seeds from hybrid onions typically revert to less desirable characteristics of the parent lines. You'll need to purchase fresh seeds each year to maintain the variety's exceptional sweetness and uniformity.