Overview
Allium cepa 'Yellow Granex' is a popular short-day onion cultivar known for producing large, mild-flavored yellow bulbs. This annual vegetable forms a distinctive bulbous base with papery golden-brown outer scales and crisp white to pale yellow interior layers. The plant produces hollow, blue-green cylindrical leaves that emerge from the bulb base and can reach 12-18 inches in height.
The foliage has a characteristic onion scent when crushed and serves as an excellent indicator of bulb development below ground. Allium cepa 'Yellow Granex' is specifically bred for warm climates and requires shorter daylight periods to initiate bulbing, making it ideal for southern growing regions. The bulbs are typically globe-shaped when mature, with a relatively flat bottom and can reach 3-4 inches in diameter when properly grown.
Native Range
Allium cepa is believed to be native to southwestern Asia, particularly regions of modern-day Iran and Pakistan. The species has been cultivated for thousands of years and has spread worldwide through human cultivation, with 'Yellow Granex' being a modern cultivar developed specifically for warm-climate growing conditions.Suggested Uses
Allium cepa 'Yellow Granex' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and container growing. Excellent for fresh eating due to its mild flavor, and suitable for short-term storage. Ideal for southern gardens and warm climates where long-day onions struggle to bulb properly. Can be grown as green onions if harvested early or allowed to mature into full-sized storage onions.How to Identify
Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Allium cepa 'Yellow Granex' requires consistent moisture during early growth but should be allowed to dry as bulbs mature. Water regularly during leaf development, providing about 1 inch per week, but reduce watering as foliage begins to yellow and fall over, indicating bulb maturity. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress with nitrogen when plants are 6 inches tall. Stop fertilizing once bulbing begins to avoid delaying maturity. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.Pruning
Allium cepa 'Yellow Granex' requires minimal pruning during growth. Remove any flower stalks that appear to direct energy into bulb development rather than seed production. Do not cut back foliage until it naturally yellows and falls over, as the leaves are essential for bulb development. Once foliage has dried and fallen, cure bulbs by allowing them to dry in a warm, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks before storage.Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons