1 / 2
Annuals
Allium cepa 'Candy'
Candy Onion
AmaryllidaceaeAsia
At a Glance
Typeannual
Habitupright
Foliagedeciduous
Height18-24 inches
Width4-6 inches
Maturity0.33 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
3a - 9bZone 3a
Zone 3b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow
Overview
Allium cepa 'Candy' is an exceptional sweet storage onion cultivar prized for its remarkably mild flavor and outstanding culinary versatility. This superior variety produces impressive globe-shaped bulbs that mature to 3-4 inches in diameter, featuring attractive golden-brown papery outer scales that encase pristine white to pale yellow flesh arranged in firm, well-defined concentric rings. The bulbs exhibit excellent storage characteristics when properly cured, maintaining their quality and sweet flavor for several months under proper storage conditions.
The plant develops distinctive hollow, cylindrical blue-green foliage that emerges directly from the bulb base, reaching heights of 18-24 inches during the active growing season. These tubular leaves feel distinctly hollow when rolled between fingers and serve as the primary photosynthetic organs that feed the developing bulb below ground. When allowed to complete its natural reproductive cycle, Allium cepa 'Candy' sends up tall flowering stems topped with spherical umbels of small white flowers, though for optimal bulb production, harvest typically occurs before flowering to maximize bulb size and storage quality.
Native Range
Allium cepa originated in the mountainous regions of Central Asia, with its ancestral homeland believed to encompass areas of modern-day Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and surrounding regions. The exact native range remains somewhat uncertain due to thousands of years of cultivation, selection, and human migration that has spread onions throughout the world, making it challenging to pinpoint the precise original habitat of wild populations.Suggested Uses
Culinary applications for fresh eating and cooking, long-term storage crop for winter food security, companion planting in vegetable gardens to naturally deter pests, market gardening for premium sweet onion salesHow to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread4" - 6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 0.33 years
Colors
Flower Colors
white
Foliage Colors
blue
green
Fall Foliage Colors
yellow
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Summer
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white in spherical umbelsFoliage Description
blue-green, hollow and cylindricalGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
moderate, consistent moisture during bulb development
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
100-120 days
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Allium cepa 'Candy' thrives in full sun locations with well-draining, fertile soil that has been enriched with generous amounts of organic matter such as compost or aged manure. Plant in soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0 for optimal nutrient uptake and bulb development. Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the growing season, particularly during the critical bulb formation period, but avoid waterlogged conditions that can lead to bulb rot. Apply a balanced fertilizer or side-dress with compost at mid-season to support continued growth and bulb enlargement. Diligent weed control is essential since onions have shallow root systems and compete poorly with weeds for nutrients and water. As harvest approaches and the green tops begin to yellow and naturally bend over, gradually reduce watering frequency to promote proper bulb curing and prevent storage issues.Pruning
Allium cepa 'Candy' requires minimal pruning during the growing season, with most maintenance focused on removing flower stalks rather than cutting foliage. Promptly remove any flower stalks (scapes) that emerge to redirect the plant's energy into bulb development rather than seed production, ensuring maximum bulb size and quality. Resist the temptation to cut or trim the green foliage during active growth, as these hollow leaves are essential for photosynthesis and directly feed the developing bulb below ground. Allow the tops to naturally yellow and bend over at the neck before harvest, as this natural senescence indicates the bulb has reached full maturity and the foliage has completed its vital role in bulb development.Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Allium cepa 'Candy' is completely safe and nutritious for human consumption both raw and cooked, offering excellent flavor and valuable nutrients including vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. However, all onions including this variety are highly toxic to dogs, cats, and other companion animals, potentially causing severe hemolytic anemia even in small quantities. Additionally, onions can be harmful to livestock and should be kept away from horses, cattle, and other farm animals. Store harvested bulbs and dispose of plant trimmings safely away from pets and livestock to prevent accidental ingestion.Planting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
10 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
early spring, 2-4 weeks before last frost
Days to Maturity
100–120 days
Plant Spacing
4 inches
Companion Planting
Good Companions
carrots
tomatoes
peppers
brassicas
lettuce
Avoid Planting With
beans
peas
asparagus