What are the sun requirements for Allium cepa 'Bridger'?

Allium cepa 'Bridger' requires full sun.

How much water does Allium cepa 'Bridger' need?

Allium cepa 'Bridger' has moderate water needs.

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Annuals

Allium cepa 'Bridger'

Bridger Onion

AmaryllidaceaeAsia

At a Glance

Typeannual

Habitupright

Foliagedeciduous

Height18-24 inches

Width6-8 inches

Maturity1 years

Key Features

Deer Resistant

Container Friendly

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Allium cepa 'Bridger' is an exceptional intermediate-day storage onion cultivar renowned for its large, perfectly globe-shaped bulbs and outstanding keeping qualities. This robust variety produces thick, blue-green foliage that grows in an upright fountain-like arrangement, with distinctly hollow, cylindrical leaves that taper to sharp points and reach heights of 18-24 inches. The waxy-textured leaves emerge directly from the underground bulb in a basal pattern, creating an attractive clumping habit during the growing season. The mature bulbs are the true showcase of Allium cepa 'Bridger', developing into substantial specimens typically weighing 8-12 ounces with crisp, white flesh enclosed in golden-brown papery outer scales. What sets Allium cepa 'Bridger' apart from other onion cultivars is its remarkable adaptation to variable growing conditions across temperate regions, combined with mild to medium pungency that makes it versatile for both fresh use and long-term storage. When allowed to flower in its second year, the plant produces spherical umbels of small white flowers atop tall stalks, though most gardeners harvest the bulbs before this flowering stage occurs.

Native Range

Allium cepa originated in the mountainous regions of Central Asia, particularly in Afghanistan, Iran, and surrounding areas where wild populations still persist today. These ancestral onions adapted to rocky, well-drained soils in harsh continental climates, developing the storage capabilities that make modern cultivars like 'Bridger' so valuable for long-term food preservation.

Suggested Uses

Vegetable gardens, raised bed cultivation, container growing, storage crop production, culinary gardens, homestead food production

How to Identify

Allium cepa 'Bridger' can be readily identified by its distinctive thick, hollow, blue-green leaves that grow in an upright, fountain-like pattern from a central underground bulb. The foliage is characteristically cylindrical with a pronounced taper to sharp points, and the leaves have a notably waxy surface texture that distinguishes them from other alliums. The mature bulbs are large and perfectly globe-shaped with golden-brown papery outer layers that feel dry and crinkly to the touch. Unlike ornamental alliums, the leaves of Allium cepa 'Bridger' are substantially thicker and more robust, and if allowed to reach flowering stage, it produces compact spherical umbels of small white flowers on sturdy stalks rather than the larger, more decorative flower heads of ornamental species.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread6" - 8"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

blue

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Summer (second year if not harvested for bulbs)

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White

Foliage Description

Blue-green with waxy texture

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

Soil Types

loam

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

110-120 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Allium cepa 'Bridger' thrives with consistent moisture throughout the bulb development period, requiring regular watering to maintain evenly moist but not waterlogged soil. Plant in well-drained, fertile soil that has been amended with compost or well-rotted manure, ensuring good organic matter content for optimal bulb formation. Apply a balanced fertilizer when plants reach 6 inches in height, and maintain weed-free growing areas since onions have shallow root systems that compete poorly with weeds. As harvest approaches and tops begin to yellow naturally, gradually reduce watering to allow proper bulb curing and development of the papery outer scales essential for long-term storage.

Pruning

Allium cepa 'Bridger' should never be pruned or have its foliage cut during the active growing season, as the green leaves are absolutely essential for photosynthesis and proper bulb development. Allow the tops to yellow and fall over naturally at maturity, which signals that the bulbs are ready for harvest. After harvesting, trim the roots close to the bulb base and cut the stems to approximately 1 inch above the bulb for standard storage, or leave 6-8 inches of stem length if you plan to braid the onions for traditional storage display.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Allium cepa 'Bridger' is safe and nutritious for human consumption in all its parts, but it is toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and other pets. All portions of the plant contain sulfur compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset, anemia, and potentially serious health complications in animals. Store harvested bulbs in areas inaccessible to pets, and be cautious about leaving onion scraps or trimmings where animals might consume them.

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

110–120 days

Plant Spacing

4 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

carrots

brassicas

lettuce

tomatoes

peppers

Avoid Planting With

beans

peas

asparagus

sage