What are the sun requirements for Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple'?

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' requires full sun.

How much water does Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' need?

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' has moderate water needs.

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple', Red Candy Apple Onion

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Annuals

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple'

Red Candy Apple Onion

AmaryllidaceaeAsia

At a Glance

Typeannual

Habitupright

Foliagedeciduous

Height18-24 inches

Width6-8 inches

Maturity0.33 years

Key Features

Deer Resistant

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' is a distinctive sweet onion cultivar renowned for its vibrant deep red outer skin and exceptionally mild flavor profile. This short-day onion variety produces medium-sized, flattened to globe-shaped bulbs that typically measure 3-4 inches in diameter when fully mature. The bulbs feature striking burgundy-red papery outer layers that intensify in color with proper curing, while the interior flesh remains crisp and white, arranged in the characteristic concentric ring pattern of all onions. The plant develops as a typical bulbous annual, emerging from a single planted bulb or transplant to produce a cluster of hollow, tubular leaves that reach 18-24 inches in height. The foliage displays an attractive blue-green coloration and maintains the classic onion appearance with slender, pointed shoots that gradually thicken as they mature. When allowed to complete its full growth cycle, Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' will produce spherical umbels of small white flowers on tall stalks, though commercial and home cultivation typically involves harvesting the bulbs before flowering occurs to maximize bulb quality and storage potential.

Native Range

Allium cepa originates from the mountainous regions of Central Asia, particularly areas that now encompass Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and surrounding territories. This species has been cultivated by humans for over 5,000 years, spreading from its native range throughout the world via trade routes and agricultural expansion. The 'Red Candy Apple' cultivar is a modern horticultural development selected for specific traits including sweetness, color intensity, and reduced sulfur content.

Suggested Uses

culinary gardens, vegetable beds, raised beds, container growing, companion planting

How to Identify

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' can be identified by its distinctive combination of deep burgundy-red outer skin and notably sweet, mild taste that sets it apart from other red onion varieties. The bulbs are medium-sized with a flattened to globe shape, measuring 3-4 inches across at maturity. The papery outer layers display an intense candy-apple red coloration that is more uniform and vibrant than most other red onion cultivars. When cut, the interior flesh appears crisp and white with well-defined concentric rings. The hollow, blue-green tubular leaves emerge directly from the bulb top and lack the strong onion pungency associated with storage varieties, making this cultivar particularly suitable for fresh eating applications.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread6" - 8"

Reaches mature size in approximately 0.33 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

blue

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

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

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

90-120 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' requires consistent moisture management throughout its growing season for optimal bulb development. Provide regular watering, particularly during the critical bulb formation period in late spring and early summer, but avoid overwatering which can lead to bulb rot and fungal issues. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer when plants reach 6 inches in height to support vigorous leaf growth. As the growing season progresses, reduce watering frequency when the tops begin to yellow and naturally fall over, signaling that bulb maturation is complete. Maintain excellent weed control throughout the growing period, as onions have shallow root systems and compete poorly with weeds for nutrients and moisture.

Pruning

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' requires minimal pruning intervention during its growth cycle. Remove any flower stalks (scapes) that emerge to redirect the plant's energy into bulb development rather than seed production. Resist the temptation to cut back green foliage prematurely, as the leaves continue photosynthesizing and contributing essential nutrients to bulb growth until they naturally begin to yellow and fall over. Harvest timing is optimal when 50-80% of the tops have naturally collapsed, indicating bulb maturity and readiness for curing and storage.

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Allium cepa 'Red Candy Apple' is safe for human consumption when used as a culinary ingredient and food crop. However, onions contain compounds that are toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats, potentially causing hemolytic anemia and other serious health issues. Keep harvested onions stored away from pets and prevent animals from accessing areas where onion plants are actively growing. All parts of the onion plant should be considered potentially harmful to domestic animals.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

10 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

early spring, 4-6 weeks before last frost

Days to Maturity

90–120 days

Plant Spacing

4 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes

carrots

lettuce

brassicas

peppers

Avoid Planting With

beans

peas

asparagus