How to Grow Giza 86 Onion
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Giza 86 Onion
Allium cepa 'Giza 86'
vegetableGiza 86 is a long-day Egyptian onion variety prized for its exceptional storage ability and mild, sweet flavor. It produces large, golden-yellow bulbs with excellent keeping quality, making it ideal for long-term storage. This variety is particularly well-suited to northern climates and cool seasons.
When should you plant Giza 86 Onion in your zone?
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Example Giza 86 Onion timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Giza 86 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 Giza 86 Onion
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Giza 86 Onion dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-7, preferring cooler climates with longer growing seasons
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Get my Giza 86 Onion timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksThin green shoots emerge from soil; develops first true leaves
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide 8+ hours of light daily; thin seedlings to proper spacing once they reach 2-3 inches tall
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops long, upright green foliage; root system establishes; no bulb visible yet
Water regularly (1-1.5 inches weekly); apply balanced fertilizer mid-season; ensure adequate sunlight; remove any flower scapes that form
Bulbing
4-6 weeksSwelling at base of plant becomes visible; foliage continues to grow; bulb enlarges underground
Continue consistent watering but begin reducing frequency as bulb matures; use higher phosphorus fertilizer to support bulb development; monitor for pest pressure
Maturation & Dormancy
2-3 weeksBulb reaches full size; tops yellow and begin to fall over or dry down; papery outer skin forms
Reduce watering significantly; stop fertilizing; once 50-75% of tops have fallen over, stop watering entirely to encourage curing; do not bend over tops artificially
Harvest & Storage
Harvest readiness; 2-4 weeks curingBulbs fully mature with dry, golden-brown papery skin; tops completely dry and brown
Harvest when tops are completely dry; cure in warm, dry, well-ventilated location for 2-4 weeks before storage; store in cool (32-50°F), dry location with good air circulation
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers during egg-laying period; apply beneficial nematodes to soil; rotate planting location yearly; remove infested plants immediately
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Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; maintain adequate soil moisture; reflective mulches deter feeding; encourage natural predators
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Use disease-resistant varieties when possible; ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; sterilize tools; remove infected bulbs immediately and dispose of safely
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead irrigation; apply copper fungicide at first sign; remove infected foliage; plant in well-draining soil
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Practice long crop rotation (8+ years away from alliums); remove infected plants and surrounding soil; avoid planting in contaminated areas; maintain good drainage
Uses
Fresh and Cooked Preparations
CulinaryGiza 86 onions are prized for their mild, sweet flavor and low sulfur content, making them excellent for fresh eating, slicing for salads, grilling, roasting, and caramelizing. Their superior sweetness makes them ideal for French onion soup and other dishes where onion flavor is paramount. [source]
Extended Storage
HouseholdGiza 86 is exceptional among onion varieties for its remarkable storage longevity, keeping 6-8 months or longer in proper cool, dry conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for homesteaders and gardeners wanting year-round supply from a single planting. [source]
Nutritional and Health Benefits
MedicinalOnions, including Giza 86, are rich in quercetin, a potent antioxidant flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption is associated with cardiovascular benefits and immune system support. [source]
Sweetness for Caramelizing
CulinaryThe notably high sugar content and mild flavor profile of Giza 86 make it particularly well-suited for slow caramelization, developing deep, complex sweetness without harsh sulfur notes. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeIf allowed to flower and bolt, onions produce attractive umbel flowers that attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, supporting overall ecosystem health. [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 50-75% of tops have fallen over and turned brown, typically in mid-to-late summer depending on planting date. Pull bulbs gently from soil on a dry day. Leave roots and tops attached during initial curing; cure in a warm (75-80°F), dry, well-ventilated location for 2-4 weeks until necks are completely dry and outer skin is papery. Store in cool (32-50°F), dry conditions with good air circulation; can store 6-8 months or longer under ideal conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Giza 86 was developed by the Agricultural Research Center in Giza, Egypt, and is named after its origin and breeding year, reflecting a long tradition of Egyptian onion cultivation dating back thousands of years.
- 🌱 The exceptional storage ability of Giza 86 comes from its high dry matter content and thick, papery outer layers that protect the bulb from moisture loss and microbial invasion—stored specimens can remain viable for over 8 months.
- 🌱 Giza 86 is classified as a 'long-day' onion, meaning it requires longer daylight hours to trigger bulbing, making it exceptionally well-suited to northern latitudes where it outperforms many other varieties.
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