Allium cepa 'Candy', Candy Onion
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Annuals

Allium cepa 'Candy'

Candy Onion

AmaryllidaceaeAsia

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitupright
Foliagedeciduous
Height18-24 inches
Width6-8 inches

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

2a - 9b
Zone 2a
Zone 2b
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
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Allium cepa 'Candy' is a superior sweet storage onion cultivar renowned for its exceptional flavor profile and outstanding keeping quality. This variety produces impressive, uniformly globe-shaped bulbs that typically measure 3-4 inches in diameter at maturity, featuring attractive golden-brown papery outer scales that protect the crisp, white to pale yellow flesh beneath. The bulbs are characterized by their mild, sweet flavor that makes them particularly desirable for both fresh consumption and culinary applications. The plant develops the characteristic hollow, cylindrical blue-green foliage typical of onions, with leaves emerging directly from the underground bulb and reaching 18-24 inches in height. The waxy, smooth leaves taper to sharp points and have a distinctive cylindrical form. When allowed to bolt, Allium cepa 'Candy' produces tall flowering stalks topped with spherical umbels of small white flowers, though most gardeners harvest the bulbs before the flowering stage to maximize bulb development and storage potential.

Native Range

Allium cepa originates from the mountainous regions of Central Asia, particularly areas encompassing modern-day Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, where ancestral wild forms continue to thrive in their natural highland habitats.

Suggested Uses

Allium cepa 'Candy' excels in vegetable gardens, raised bed systems, and container gardening applications. This sweet storage cultivar is particularly valuable in culinary gardens where fresh, mild onions are desired for cooking and food preparation. The variety works well in succession planting schemes to ensure continuous harvest throughout the season. Due to its excellent storage characteristics, it's ideal for gardeners seeking to maintain a winter onion supply. The attractive foliage also makes it suitable for ornamental vegetable gardens where aesthetics matter alongside productivity.

How to Identify

Allium cepa 'Candy' can be readily identified by its distinctive hollow, cylindrical blue-green leaves that emerge directly from the underground storage bulb. The foliage appears waxy and smooth-textured, tapering to sharp points at the tips. At maturity, the bulb displays the classic globe shape with golden-brown papery outer layers. The plant emits the unmistakable pungent onion aroma when any part is bruised, cut, or crushed. The 'Candy' cultivar specifically can be distinguished by its consistently round, medium to large bulb size, excellent uniformity, and notably sweet, mild flavor profile that sets it apart from more pungent onion varieties.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread6" - 8"

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
mid to late summer

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white

Foliage Description

blue-green

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

100-110 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Allium cepa 'Candy' thrives in full sun exposure and demands well-draining, fertile soil for optimal bulb development and size. Plant in loose, organic-rich soil amended with compost to ensure proper drainage and prevent bulb rot, which can be devastating to the crop. Maintain consistent moisture throughout the active growing season, providing approximately 1 inch of water weekly through irrigation or rainfall. As bulbs approach maturity and the foliage begins to yellow naturally, gradually reduce watering to allow proper curing. Apply a side-dressing of compost or balanced fertilizer during mid-season to support continued bulb enlargement. Maintain excellent weed control throughout the growing period, as onions are poor competitors and weeds can significantly reduce yields.

Pruning

Allium cepa 'Candy' requires minimal pruning intervention during the growing season. Remove any flower stalks (scapes) that develop to redirect the plant's energy from seed production back into bulb development and enlargement. Resist the temptation to cut back or trim the foliage during active growth, as the leaves continue photosynthesis and feed the developing bulb until they naturally begin to yellow and fall over. Once the tops have died back completely, harvest the bulbs and cure them in a warm, well-ventilated location to develop the protective outer scales necessary for long-term storage.

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Allium cepa 'Candy' is safe for human consumption when properly prepared and cooked, though sensitive individuals may experience digestive upset from consuming large quantities of raw onions. All parts of the plant, including bulbs, leaves, and flowers, are highly toxic to dogs, cats, and other companion animals, potentially causing hemolytic anemia, gastrointestinal distress, and other serious health complications requiring immediate veterinary attention.

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

100–110 days

Plant Spacing

4 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

carrots
tomatoes
peppers
brassicas
lettuce

Avoid Planting With

beans
peas
sage