How to Grow Barletta Onion
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Barletta Onion
Allium cepa var. cepa
vegetableBarletta is a small, white pickling onion variety known for its mild flavor and tender texture. These miniature onions mature to about 1-1.5 inches in diameter and are prized for pickling, garnishing, and cooking whole. They're a short-day variety that produces abundantly in appropriate climates.
When should you plant Barletta Onion in your zone?
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Example Barletta Onion timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Barletta Onion
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Barletta Onion
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Barletta Onion dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-9; prefers cooler to moderate climates
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksThin green shoots emerge from soil; first true leaves develop.
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide adequate light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksFoliage develops with multiple thin green leaves; root system expands.
Maintain consistent watering and fertility. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3 weeks. Keep area weed-free.
Bulb Initiation & Development
2-3 weeksBase of plant begins to swell; foliage remains green and upright.
Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Ensure proper day length for variety (Barletta is short-day). Monitor for pests.
Bulb Maturation
1-2 weeksSmall white bulbs reach 1-1.5 inches diameter; foliage begins yellowing and falling over.
Reduce watering frequency as tops yellow. Stop fertilizing. Do not break down foliage prematurely.
Harvest & Cure
Harvest ongoing; cure 2-3 weeksFoliage dries and browns; bulbs are firm and mature with papery white skin.
Harvest when 50-75% of foliage has fallen over. Cure in warm, dry location for 2-3 weeks before storage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers during egg-laying season; practice crop rotation; remove affected plants; use sticky traps; encourage beneficial insects.
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested foliage; maintain adequate moisture to reduce stress.
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Apply beneficial nematodes to soil; use diatomaceous earth around base; rotate crops; cover with row cloth early season.
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overhead watering; practice 3-year crop rotation; remove infected plants immediately.
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply copper fungicide if needed; remove infected foliage; thin crowded plants.
Uses
Pickling & Preserving
CulinaryBarletta onions are the classic choice for pearl onions and pickled onions due to their small size, mild flavor, and tender texture. Their uniformity makes them ideal for whole preservation. [source]
Roasting & Cooking Whole
CulinaryThe small bulbs can be roasted whole as a delicate side dish or added whole to braises, stews, and gratins. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness. [source]
Garnishing & Cocktails
CulinaryBarletta onions are popular as cocktail garnishes (especially in martinis and Gibson cocktails) and as elegant plating elements on fine cuisine dishes. [source]
Ornamental Harvests
HouseholdThe delicate white bulbs with dried stems create attractive dried arrangements and can be used decoratively in kitchen displays or crafts. [source]
Sulfur Compounds & Health
MedicinalLike all onions, Barletta contains quercetin and sulfur-containing compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when foliage yellows and falls over, typically 60-75 days after planting. Gently loosen soil and pull bulbs when tops are 50-75% brown. Cure in a warm (70-80°F), dry, well-ventilated space for 2-3 weeks until outer skin is papery. Once cured, store in cool, dry conditions. For pickling, harvest at peak maturity for uniform small size. Can be harvested early at slightly smaller size for more tender texture.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Barletta is named after the Italian port city of Bari and is a true heirloom variety dating back to the 1880s, making it one of the oldest documented pickling onion cultivars.
- 🌱 These tiny onions are sometimes called 'cocktail onions' or 'pearl onions' and are the standard bulb size for traditional Gibson martinis.
- 🌱 Barletta is a short-day variety, meaning it initiates bulbs based on day length rather than temperature, making it best suited for spring planting in northern climates and fall planting in southern regions.
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