How to Grow Paris Silverskin Onion
Wikimedia Commons
Paris Silverskin Onion
Allium cepa var. cepa
vegetableParis Silverskin is a small, white pickling onion variety prized for its mild flavor and petite size (1-1.5 inches diameter). This heirloom French variety is ideal for boiling whole, pickling, and storing. The bulbs develop silvery-white papery skin with white flesh and a delicate, slightly sweet taste.
When should you plant Paris Silverskin Onion in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Paris Silverskin Onion timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Paris Silverskin Onion
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Paris Silverskin Onion
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Paris Silverskin Onion dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-9, tolerates cooler climates well
Sign up free to see if Paris Silverskin Onion grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Paris Silverskin Onion timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Sprouting
2-3 weeksThin green shoots emerge from sets or soil; tiny leaves develop
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; thin seedlings to proper spacing early; provide full sun exposure
Bulb Development
6-8 weeksBulb enlarges noticeably; outer skin begins to papery texture and whiten; foliage reaches full height
Continue watering until foliage begins to yellow; avoid excessive nitrogen which causes thick necks; monitor for pests and fungal issues
Maturation & Curing
2-4 weeksFoliage yellows and falls over; bulbs stop enlarging; papery skin hardens; neck tightens
Reduce watering significantly; do not water after tops fall over; leave in ground for 1-2 weeks after toppling to allow skin to cure if weather permits
Harvest & Storage
Ongoing through storageBulbs fully mature with papery white skin; foliage completely dried and brown
Harvest when 50-75% of foliage has fallen over; cure in warm, dry, well-ventilated location for 2-4 weeks; store in cool (32-40°F), dark, humid (65-70%) conditions
Common Pests
-
Use row covers during planting season; remove infested plants; apply diatomaceous earth; crop rotation of 3-4 years
-
Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; maintain good air circulation; remove debris; reflective mulch can deter
-
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overhead watering; improve air circulation; remove infected leaves immediately; fungicide if severe
-
Plant disease-resistant varieties if available; practice crop rotation; ensure well-draining soil; remove infected bulbs and surrounding soil
-
Improve air circulation and drainage; avoid overhead watering; apply copper fungicide if necessary; remove infected foliage
Uses
Pickling & Boiling
CulinaryParis Silverskin onions are traditionally used for pickling whole due to their small, uniform size and delicate flavor. They can also be boiled whole as a side dish, lending a mild, sweet onion taste to the cooking liquid. [source]
French Cuisine Classic
CulinaryThe traditional onion used in French recipes like Petits Oignons à la Monégasque and Glazed Pearl Onions. The small, tender bulbs become sweet when braised or caramelized. [source]
Long-Term Storage
HouseholdWhen properly cured and stored in cool, humid conditions, Paris Silverskin onions keep for 6-8 months, making them excellent for winter food preservation. The papery skin protects the bulb and resists sprouting. [source]
Cocktail Garnish
CulinaryThe small, pearl-like bulbs are popular as garnish and ingredient in classic cocktails like Gibson martinis. Pickled silverskins add vinegary bite to drinks and appetizer platters. [source]
Braiding & Display
CraftThe thin necks and attractive papery white skin make Paris Silverskin onions ideal for traditional braiding and hanging storage, serving both practical and decorative purposes in the kitchen. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest when 50-75% of foliage has fallen over (typically mid-to-late summer depending on planting date). Gently dig with a fork to avoid bruising small bulbs. Cure in a warm (70-75°F), dry, well-ventilated location (shed, garage, or porch) for 2-4 weeks. Once cured, trim roots to ¼ inch and remove excess dried foliage. Store in mesh bags or braided strings in cool (32-40°F), dark, humid conditions for up to 6-8 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Paris Silverskin is a French heirloom variety dating back to the 19th century, originally developed near Paris for the famous French boiling onion trade.
- 🌱 These onions are among the smallest onion varieties, naturally maturing to only 1-1.5 inches in diameter, yet they pack concentrated sweetness despite their diminutive size.
- 🌱 The silvery-white papery skin provides excellent protection during storage, allowing these bulbs to keep longer than larger onion varieties when stored in proper conditions—sometimes maintaining quality for 8+ months.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Paris Silverskin Onion planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Paris Silverskin Onion seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Paris Silverskin Onion timeline →