What are the sun requirements for Allium cepa 'Red Baron'?

Allium cepa 'Red Baron' is Red Baron scallion (Red Baron bunching onion), an annual grown for scallion (green onion) harvest at 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and 3-6 inches (7-15 cm) wide. Hollow tubular foliage with green tips transitioning to burgundy-purple at the base — the red anthocyanin pigmentation is concentrated in the lower leaf sheaths and the developing small bulb. In the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). Harvest as scallions at 60-70 days from seed, or allow to develop a small bulb at 100-120 days. The burgundy-purple base color distinguishes Red Baron from standard green scallion types. Open-pollinated: seed can be saved. Direct-sow 2-4 weeks before last frost through late summer — succession-sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous supply. Tolerates light frost. Scallions compete poorly with weeds — keep the bed clean. Shallow roots dry out quickly — consistent moisture is required. All Allium contain thiosulfates: toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (Heinz body anemia). Deer-resistant (aromatic). Full sun. Annual. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

Open-pollinated cultivar. The species A. cepa is native to Central Asia.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers of at least 1 gallon (4 L). Scallion (green onion) harvest. The burgundy-purple base for color in salads. Succession-sow. Open-pollinated — save seeds. Toxic to pets. Deer-resistant. Annual.

How to Identify

Identified by hollow tubular foliage with green tips and burgundy-purple lower sheaths on a slender upright plant. The red-purple base color distinguishes Red Baron from green scallion types. Harvested as a scallion (green onion). In Amaryllidaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread3" - 6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bolts in summer if not harvested — white spherical umbels. Flowering is undesirable in scallion production. Cut flower stalks at the base.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White spherical umbels on a hollow scape — only if allowed to bolt; undesirable in scallion production

Foliage Description

Green tips transitioning to burgundy-purple at the base; hollow tubular; the red pigmentation (anthocyanins) is concentrated in the lower leaf sheaths and developing bulb

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• 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

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

60-70 days from seed (scallion harvest); 100-120 days for bulb

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0. Direct-sow 2-4 weeks before last frost. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks. Shallow roots — consistent moisture. Weed-free bed required (poor competitor). All Allium toxic to pets. Deer-resistant. Tolerates light frost. Annual.

Pruning

Harvest scallions by pulling or cutting at soil level at 60-70 days. Cut flower stalks at the base if they appear. No other pruning. Succession-sow for continuous supply.