How to Grow North Holland Blood Red Onion
North Holland Blood Red Onion
Allium cepa 'North Holland Blood Red'
vegetableNorth Holland Blood Red is a distinctive heirloom onion variety featuring deep crimson-red flesh and layers that bleed into white when cut, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor. This Dutch cultivar is prized for both its striking appearance and culinary qualities, making it popular in gourmet cooking and specialty markets. The onions store well and maintain their color through the winter months.
When should you plant North Holland Blood Red Onion in your zone?
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Example North Holland Blood Red Onion timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant North Holland Blood Red 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 North Holland Blood Red Onion
Around Jul 26≈ 100 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact North Holland Blood Red Onion dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-10; best results in zones 4-8 with moderate temperatures
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Sprouting & Emergence
2-3 weeksOnion sets or seedlings develop initial green shoots and roots establish in soil
Ensure consistent soil moisture and remove any weeds. Keep soil temperature around 50-60°F for optimal germination. Thin seedlings to proper spacing if direct seeding.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops multiple long, tubular green leaves and root system expands; bulb begins to form underground
Maintain consistent watering and provide balanced fertilization every 3-4 weeks. Remove any flowering stems (bolts) immediately. Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Bulb Development
6-8 weeksVisible swelling occurs at soil surface; the distinctive red color intensifies in the developing bulb layers
Gradually reduce watering as bulbs enlarge. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease. Keep area weed-free. Stop nitrogen fertilization to encourage bulbing rather than leaf growth.
Maturation & Dormancy
2-3 weeksBulb reaches full size; tops yellow and fall over; outer papery skin hardens and deepens in red color
Cease watering once tops fall over. Allow bulbs to cure in place for 1-2 weeks if weather permits, or harvest and cure in a dry location. Do not bend over the tops prematurely.
Harvest & Storage
Harvest readiness at 100-120 days; storage 4-6+ monthsFully mature bulbs with dried tops and papery skin ready for harvest; ready for long-term storage
Harvest when soil is dry and tops are completely brown. Cure bulbs in a warm, airy, shaded location for 2-4 weeks before storage. Store in cool (35-40°F), dry conditions with good air circulation.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers over young plants, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, practice crop rotation, remove affected bulbs immediately
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Spray with water to dislodge, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, use reflective mulches, encourage beneficial insects
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Apply beneficial nematodes to soil, use diatomaceous earth around base, cover with row cloth, maintain good drainage
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Avoid overhead watering, improve drainage, practice crop rotation (3-year minimum), use disease-free sets, remove infected bulbs
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Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply fungicides like sulfur or copper if needed, remove infected leaves
Uses
Gourmet Cooking & Fresh Consumption
CulinaryThe mild, slightly sweet flavor and striking deep red color make North Holland Blood Red ideal for raw applications like salads, slicing for fresh eating, and elegant plating. The red layers maintain their vibrant color when cooked, adding visual appeal to dishes. [source]
Pickling & Preservation
CulinaryThe firm flesh and attractive color make these onions excellent for pickling, creating visually striking preserved products. They work well in chutneys and relishes. [source]
Natural Dyes
HouseholdThe deep red pigments in North Holland Blood Red onions can be extracted and used to create natural dyes for fabrics and wool, producing burgundy to red-brown colors. [source]
Health & Nutrition
MedicinalRich in antioxidants, including quercetin and anthocyanins, North Holland Blood Red onions support cardiovascular health and provide anti-inflammatory benefits when consumed regularly. [source]
Beneficial Insect Attraction
WildlifeAllowing some onions to flower attracts pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden, supporting the broader ecosystem while providing ornamental value with tall flower spikes. [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 75-80% of the tops have fallen over and turned brown, typically in mid to late summer. Dig carefully to avoid bruising the bulbs. Cure bulbs in a warm (70-75°F), dry, well-ventilated location for 2-4 weeks before storage to harden the papery skin and improve shelf life. Store in a cool (35-40°F), dry place with good air circulation; North Holland Blood Red can store for 4-6 months or longer.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 North Holland Blood Red is an heirloom variety developed in the Netherlands, known for its exceptional storage capability that allowed Dutch traders to supply markets throughout winter for centuries.
- 🌱 The dramatic red color comes from anthocyanin pigments that intensify as the onion matures; the contrast between red and white layers intensifies when the onion is sliced, making it a chef's favorite for presentation.
- 🌱 Unlike many red onion varieties, North Holland Blood Red maintains its color stability through cooking and storage, retaining its deep burgundy hue rather than fading to brown like some cultivars.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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