Allium cepa 'Cabernet', Cabernet Red Onion
Annuals

Allium cepa 'Cabernet'

Cabernet Red Onion

UnknownAsia

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitupright
Foliagedeciduous
Height12-18 inches
Width4-6 inches

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Allium cepa 'Cabernet' is a distinctive red storage onion cultivar known for its deep burgundy-purple outer skin and rich wine-red internal flesh. This bulbous annual produces globular bulbs that are typically 3-4 inches in diameter when mature, with a flattened globe shape characteristic of storage onions. The outer papery skin displays an intense dark red to purple coloration that gives this cultivar its wine-inspired name. The foliage consists of hollow, blue-green cylindrical leaves that emerge from the bulb base and can reach 12-18 inches in height. Like other onion cultivars, Allium cepa 'Cabernet' produces small white flowers arranged in spherical umbels on tall scapes if allowed to bolt, though plants are typically harvested before flowering occurs. The flesh beneath the colorful outer layers is white with red-purple rings, offering a mild to moderately pungent flavor that sweetens when cooked.

Native Range

Allium cepa is native to Central Asia, particularly the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, Iran, and surrounding areas. The species has been cultivated for over 4,000 years and spread throughout the world, with 'Cabernet' being a modern cultivar developed through selective breeding programs.

Suggested Uses

Excellent for fresh eating, cooking, and long-term storage. The attractive red coloration makes it ideal for salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. Perfect for home gardens, market growing, and culinary applications where color and mild flavor are desired.

How to Identify

Allium cepa 'Cabernet' can be identified by its characteristic deep burgundy to purple outer bulb skin and distinctive red-purple flesh rings when cut in cross-section. The bulbs are typically globe-shaped and flattened, measuring 3-4 inches across when mature. The hollow, cylindrical blue-green foliage and strong onion aroma when bruised are additional identifying features. Distinguished from other red onion varieties by its particularly intense dark coloration and wine-red internal flesh patterns.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread4" - 6"

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

blue
green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Summer
Summer if allowed to bolt

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White in spherical umbels

Foliage Description

Blue-green hollow cylindrical leaves

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

100-120 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Allium cepa 'Cabernet' requires full sun and well-draining soil with consistent moisture during the growing season. Plant in fertile soil amended with compost, maintaining soil pH between 6.0-7.0. Water regularly during bulb development but reduce watering as harvest approaches to prevent rot and encourage proper curing. Side-dress with balanced fertilizer when plants are 6 inches tall and again when bulbs begin to swell. Stop fertilizing 4-6 weeks before harvest.

Pruning

Allium cepa 'Cabernet' requires minimal pruning during the growing season. Remove any flower stalks that appear to direct energy into bulb development rather than seed production. As harvest approaches, stop watering and allow foliage to naturally yellow and die back. Do not cut green foliage as this reduces bulb size and storage quality.

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Allium cepa 'Cabernet' bulbs and foliage are toxic to dogs, cats, and other pets, causing hemolytic anemia and gastrointestinal upset. Generally safe for human consumption when cooked, though some individuals may experience digestive sensitivity to raw onions.

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

tomatoes
peppers
brassicas
carrots
lettuce

Avoid Planting With

beans
peas
sage
asparagus