How much water does Allium cepa 'Patterson' need?

Allium cepa 'Patterson' has moderate water needs.

Allium cepa 'Patterson', Patterson Onion

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Annuals

Allium cepa 'Patterson'

Patterson Onion

AmaryllidaceaeAsia

At a Glance

Typeannual

Habitupright

Foliagedeciduous

Height12-18 inches

Width6-8 inches

Key Features

Deer Resistant

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Allium cepa 'Patterson' is a premium mid-season storage onion cultivar renowned for its exceptional keeping qualities and robust, pungent flavor. This annual bulb-forming plant produces perfectly globe-shaped onions with distinctive bronze-colored papery outer scales that protect crisp, white inner flesh. The mature bulbs typically reach 3-4 inches in diameter and develop a firm, dense texture ideal for long-term storage. The foliage consists of characteristic hollow, cylindrical leaves that emerge directly from the underground bulb in early spring. These blue-green leaves have a distinctive waxy appearance and can reach 18-24 inches in height, creating an upright fountain-like growth habit. The leaves are essential for photosynthesis and bulb development, gradually yellowing and falling over naturally as the onion approaches maturity. When allowed to bolt, Allium cepa 'Patterson' produces tall flowering stalks topped with spherical clusters of small white flowers, though this is typically prevented in cultivation to maximize bulb size and quality.

Native Range

Allium cepa is native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia, particularly Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and surrounding areas. The species has been cultivated for over 5,000 years and has spread worldwide through human cultivation and trade, though the wild ancestors are believed to have originated in the highland valleys and rocky slopes of these ancient mountain ranges.

Suggested Uses

Allium cepa 'Patterson' is excellent for vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large container plantings where food production is the primary goal. This cultivar is particularly valuable for home gardeners seeking long-term food storage capabilities, as properly cured bulbs can be stored for 6-8 months through winter. The strong, pungent flavor makes it ideal for cooking applications including soups, stews, caramelizing, and general culinary use. Allium cepa 'Patterson' works well in succession plantings and is suitable for both small-scale home gardens and larger market garden operations focused on storage crop production.

How to Identify

Allium cepa 'Patterson' can be readily identified by its distinctive hollow, tubular blue-green leaves that emerge from a single underground bulb. The foliage has a characteristic waxy coating and stands 12-18 inches tall in an upright, fountain-like arrangement. The mature bulbs are globe-shaped with bronze-colored papery outer scales and measure 3-4 inches in diameter. Unlike other onion varieties, Allium cepa 'Patterson' maintains excellent firmness and the outer scales remain tightly attached even after curing. If flowering occurs, the plant produces tall stalks with spherical white flower clusters, and all plant parts emit the characteristic strong onion fragrance when crushed or cut.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread6" - 8"

Colors

Flower Colors

white

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

Foliage Description

blue-green with waxy coating

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

Time to Maturity

110-120 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Allium cepa 'Patterson' requires full sun exposure and well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0 for optimal growth. Plant transplants or sets in early spring when soil can be worked, spacing them 4-6 inches apart in rows. Provide consistent moisture throughout the growing season, delivering approximately 1 inch of water per week through regular irrigation or rainfall. Side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer when plants reach 6 inches tall and again when bulbs begin to swell noticeably. As harvest approaches and tops begin to yellow naturally, gradually reduce watering to promote proper curing and prevent bulb rot. Maintain weed-free conditions around plants to prevent competition for nutrients and water.

Pruning

Allium cepa 'Patterson' requires minimal pruning during the growing season, but proper management is essential for maximum bulb development. Remove any flower stalks immediately upon appearance to redirect the plant's energy into bulb formation rather than seed production. Never cut back or trim the green foliage during active growth, as these leaves are crucial for photosynthesis and feeding the developing bulb. Allow the tops to yellow and fall over naturally in mid to late summer, which indicates the onions are ready for harvest. After harvesting, cure the bulbs by leaving them in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks before trimming the dried tops for storage.

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Allium cepa 'Patterson' is safe for human consumption when properly prepared and is commonly used in cooking worldwide. However, all members of the Allium family, including onions, are toxic to dogs, cats, and other pets, causing damage to red blood cells and potentially leading to hemolytic anemia. Keep harvested onions and growing plants away from pets and livestock. The raw bulbs and foliage can cause digestive irritation in sensitive individuals, and handling may cause skin and eye irritation due to sulfur compounds.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

10 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

early spring, 2-3 weeks before last frost

Days to Maturity

110–120 days

Plant Spacing

4 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

carrots

brassicas

tomatoes

lettuce

peppers

Avoid Planting With

beans

peas

sage