How to Grow Bombay Pink
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Bombay Pink
Allium cepa var. cepa
vegetableBombay Pink is a medium-sized, day-length sensitive onion variety prized for its pinkish-red exterior and mild, sweet flavor. It's a popular Indian heirloom variety that stores well and is well-suited to tropical and subtropical climates. The bulbs are flattened and moderately sized, making them ideal for both fresh consumption and storage.
When should you plant Bombay Pink in your zone?
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Example Bombay Pink timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bombay Pink
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 Bombay Pink
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bombay Pink dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-11; can be grown in zone 7 with careful timing
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Seedling
2-3 weeksThin green shoots emerge 7-10 days after planting. Seedlings are delicate with hair-like leaves.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they reach 2-3 inches tall. Provide bright light.
Vegetative/Foliage Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops multiple thin, erect green leaves. Root system expands and establishes underground.
Maintain consistent moisture and fertility. Side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer at 4-6 weeks. Remove any flower bolts that appear.
Bulb Initiation
3-4 weeksBase of plant begins to swell slightly as bulb formation starts in response to day length and temperature.
Continue regular watering and feeding. Ensure adequate sunlight. This stage is triggered by day length (long-day variety behavior varies).
Bulb Development
4-6 weeksBulb enlarges noticeably with visible pinkish-red outer scales developing. Foliage remains green and healthy.
Maintain steady moisture but avoid overwatering. Stop nitrogen-heavy fertilizers to encourage bulb maturity rather than leaf growth. Watch for pests.
Maturation & Harvest
2-3 weeksBulb reaches full size with characteristic pinkish-red color. Tops begin to yellow and fall over naturally.
Reduce watering once 50% of tops have fallen. Do not break or bend tops artificially as this can cause disease. Harvest when most foliage has dried.
Common Pests
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Use row covers on young plants, remove debris, practice crop rotation, encourage predatory insects
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, use reflective mulches, remove infested leaves
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Use clean seed sets, practice crop rotation (3+ years), avoid overwatering, improve drainage
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Use certified disease-free sets, ensure good drainage, avoid wounding bulbs, practice sanitation
Uses
Fresh eating and cooking
CulinaryBombay Pink onions are excellent for fresh salads, pickling, and cooking due to their mild, sweet flavor. They're particularly popular in Indian cuisine for curries, dals, and chutneys. [source]
Pickling and preservation
CulinaryThe moderate size and firm texture make them ideal for pickling whole or in chunks. They store well for extended periods and retain their distinctive pink color when preserved. [source]
Traditional health remedy
MedicinalOnions contain quercetin and sulfur compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine for various ailments. [source]
Natural dye production
HouseholdThe pink-red outer scales can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and fibers, producing warm rust and pink tones. [source]
Beneficial insect attraction
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, onions attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial pollinators. The flowers are ornamental and edible. [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 the majority of foliage has dried and fallen over naturally, typically 120-150 days after planting. Pull or dig bulbs gently to avoid bruising. Leave soil attached and cure in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location for 2-3 weeks before storing. Store in a cool, dry place (32-45°F, 60-70% humidity) for 6-8 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bombay Pink is an heirloom variety believed to have originated in India, where it remains a staple in regional markets and traditional cuisines.
- 🌱 The pink color in the outer scales is due to anthocyanin pigments, the same compounds responsible for the color in red cabbage and blueberries.
- 🌱 Onions have been cultivated for over 5,000 years and are one of the oldest cultivated vegetables, mentioned in ancient Egyptian texts and used as currency.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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