ONION ‘Gladalan Brown’ Vegetable Seeds
Botanical Name: Allium cepa
- Short day brown onion ideal for warmer and transitional climates.
- Produces medium to large globes with rich brown skin and a strong, savoury flavour.
- Perfect for roasting, caramelising, and long-term storage.
- Performs well in home gardens and market gardens alike.
- Reliable and easy to grow with a long shelf life once cured.
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Biennial (grown as annual)
- Plant Height: Up to 40 cm
Sowing Information
- Germination: 7–14 days
- Depth: Sow 0.5–1 cm deep
- Position: Full sun for strong bulb development
- Sow Where: Directly into garden beds or start in trays for later transplanting
- Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil with pH 6.0–7.0; enrich with compost before planting
- Spacing: 10–15 cm between plants; 30 cm between rows
Growing Tips
- Water evenly and avoid waterlogging during bulb formation.
- Fertilise during early growth, but reduce nitrogen once bulbs begin to swell.
- Keep weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients.
Harvest
110–140 days after sowing. Harvest when tops dry and fall over. Cure for 2–3 weeks in a dry, shaded area before storing.
When to Sow ‘Gladalan Brown’ Onions in New Zealand
| Region | Best Sowing Window | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper | March – May | Sow direct or transplant into well-drained beds. Provide full sun. |
| North Island – Lower | February – April | Earlier sowing helps avoid spring humidity. Thin seedlings early. |
| South Island – Coastal | February – April | Ideal for areas like Nelson, Marlborough. Mulch to retain moisture. |
| South Island – Inland/Cold | January – March | Start in trays indoors. Transplant after frost risk passes. |
