Red Burgundy Onion
Allium cepa 'Red Burgundy'
A stunning deep red storage onion that combines beautiful color with excellent keeping qualities and robust flavor. The dark burgundy skin and purple-tinged white flesh make this variety as ornamental as it is functional in the kitchen. Red Burgundy stores for 6-8 months when properly cured, making it ideal for gardeners who want year-round homegrown onions.
Harvest
100-110d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
5–10
USDA hardiness
Height
12-18 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Red Burgundy Onion in USDA Zone 7
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Red Burgundy Onion · Zones 5–10
Growing Details
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
Cure Red Burgundy onions immediately after harvest by spreading them in a single layer on screens or hanging in mesh bags in a warm (80-85°F), well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks until outer skins are papery and necks are completely dry. Once cured, trim roots and tops to 1 inch, then store in mesh bags or braids in a cool (35-40°F), dark location with good air circulation.
Properly cured Red Burgundy onions store 6-8 months under ideal conditions. For preservation, slice and freeze in portions for cooking (texture changes but flavor remains), or pickle whole small bulbs in vinegar brine. Dehydrating works excellently – slice thin and dry at 125°F until crisp, then store in airtight containers for up to a year.
History & Origin
Red Burgundy onion traces its lineage to European red storage onions brought to North America by early settlers in the 1700s. This heirloom variety was particularly prized in the Great Lakes region and upper Midwest, where its exceptional cold tolerance and long storage life made it essential for surviving harsh winters without fresh vegetables.
The variety was commonly grown in Italian-American communities throughout the industrial Midwest, valued for both its culinary versatility and beautiful appearance. Unlike many modern hybrid onions bred for uniformity and shipping, Red Burgundy was selected over generations for its ability to store through winter in root cellars and its complex flavor that intensifies during storage.
By the 1950s, Red Burgundy nearly disappeared as commercial agriculture shifted to hybrid varieties, but dedicated seed savers preserved this variety through small-scale networks. Today it represents the robust flavors and practical storage qualities that sustained families for generations before refrigeration.
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, hornworms, and other tomato pests while improving tomato flavor
Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli)
Onions repel cabbage worms, flea beetles, and other crucifer pests
Lettuce
Onions provide pest protection without competing for space due to different root depths
Peppers
Onions deter aphids and other soft-bodied insects that damage pepper plants
Strawberries
Onions repel slugs, aphids, and other strawberry pests while conserving space
Roses
Onions repel aphids, thrips, and may help prevent black spot and other fungal diseases
Marigolds
Both plants repel similar pests, creating a strong pest deterrent zone
Keep Apart
Beans
Onions can inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation by their roots
Peas
Allelopathic compounds from onions can stunt pea growth and reduce yields
Asparagus
Onions can inhibit asparagus growth and both compete for similar soil nutrients
Sage
Both plants can inhibit each other's growth when planted too closely together
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #170000)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to pink root and fusarium basal rot
Common Pests
Onion thrips, onion maggot, aphids
Diseases
Downy mildew, purple blotch, bacterial soft rot