What hardiness zones is Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' suitable for?

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b.

What are the sun requirements for Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple'?

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' requires full sun.

How much water does Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' need?

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' has moderate, consistent moisture during bulb development water needs.

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple', Red Candy Apple Onion

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Annuals

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple'

Red Candy Apple Onion

AmaryllidaceaeAsia

At a Glance

Typeannual

Habitupright

Foliagedeciduous

Height18-24 inches

Width6-8 inches

Maturity0.33 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 9b

Zone 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

Fragrant (moderate)

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' is a distinctive sweet onion cultivar prized for its exceptional visual appeal and remarkably mild flavor profile. This annual vegetable produces attractive medium-sized bulbs measuring 3-4 inches in diameter, distinguished by their rich burgundy to deep mahogany papery outer scales that create a striking contrast against the crisp white interior flesh marked with delicate concentric purple rings. The bulbs exhibit classic onion architecture with a slightly flattened base, gently curved sides, and a narrow neck that tapers elegantly toward the foliage attachment point. The plant develops hollow, cylindrical leaves that emerge directly from the bulb in an attractive fountain-like arrangement, reaching heights of 18-24 inches with distinctive blue-green coloration and the characteristic pungent onion fragrance when bruised. When allowed to bolt, Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' produces tall flowering scapes topped with spherical umbels of small white to pale pink flowers, though most gardeners harvest before flowering to maximize bulb quality. This cultivar is particularly valued for its sweet, mild taste that makes it excellent for fresh applications and gentle cooking methods where the delicate flavor can be appreciated.

Native Range

Allium cepa originated in the mountainous regions of Central Asia, particularly areas encompassing present-day Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. While this species has been cultivated for over 4,000 years and widely distributed throughout the world, no definitively wild populations exist today, making its precise native range somewhat uncertain though genetic studies consistently point to this Central Asian origin. Archaeological evidence suggests early cultivation began in these highland regions where the species likely evolved from wild ancestors.

Suggested Uses

fresh eating, salads, mild cooking applications, short-term storage

How to Identify

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' can be readily identified by its distinctive deep burgundy to mahogany-colored papery outer bulb scales that contrast dramatically with the white interior flesh displaying attractive concentric purple rings when cut. The medium-sized bulbs typically measure 3-4 inches across with classic onion proportions featuring a flattened base and gradually tapered neck. Blue-green hollow tubular foliage grows in an upright fountain pattern reaching 18-24 inches tall and emits the characteristic sharp onion scent when crushed or damaged. Unlike pungent storage varieties, this cultivar exhibits a noticeably mild, sweet aroma and lacks the intense bite associated with stronger onion types. Mature bulbs feel firm and solid with tight, unblemished outer skin.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread6" - 8"

Reaches mature size in approximately 0.33 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

Foliage Colors

blue

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

Summer

mid to late summer if allowed to bolt

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white to pale pink in spherical clusters

Foliage Description

blue-green, hollow and tubular

Growing 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

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate, consistent moisture during bulb development

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

4-5 months

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' requires consistent soil moisture throughout its growing season, with particular attention needed during the critical bulb development phase in mid-summer. Maintain even watering while ensuring excellent drainage to prevent bulb rot and fungal diseases that can destroy the crop. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and provide supplemental nitrogen fertilization when plants reach 6 inches in height to support vigorous foliage development, which directly correlates to final bulb size. As the growing season progresses and foliage begins to naturally yellow and fall over, gradually reduce watering frequency to allow proper bulb curing. Harvest when approximately 50-75% of the foliage has fallen over, typically in late summer, and cure in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks to maximize storage life.

Pruning

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' requires minimal pruning during active growth, with the most important practice being the removal of any flower stalks (scapes) that develop to redirect plant energy into bulb formation rather than seed production. Resist cutting back or trimming green foliage during the growing season, as these leaves are essential for photosynthesis and continued bulb development. Only after foliage naturally yellows and begins falling over should harvesting be considered. At harvest time, trim roots close to the bulb base and cut stems to approximately 1 inch above the bulb neck if preparing for storage, or leave 4-6 inch stems if planning to braid bulbs together for decorative storage displays.

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' is safe and commonly consumed by humans as a culinary vegetable, prized for its mild flavor in fresh and cooked applications. However, like all members of the Allium family, it can be toxic to dogs and cats, potentially causing hemolytic anemia due to compounds that damage red blood cells and can lead to serious health complications. Pet owners should ensure all onion products are kept away from animals. Some individuals may experience digestive upset when consuming large quantities of raw onions, and those with known onion sensitivities or sulfur compound allergies should exercise appropriate caution.

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

110–130 days

Plant Spacing

4 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

carrots

cabbage

tomatoes

peppers

lettuce

brassicas

Avoid Planting With

beans

peas

asparagus