How to Grow Red Wing Russian Red Onion
Wikimedia Commons
Red Wing Russian Red Onion
Allium cepa var. aggregatum
vegetableRed Wing is a striking red storage onion variety with deep crimson skin and purple-red flesh. It's known for its excellent keeping quality and distinctive color, making it both a culinary and visually appealing choice for gardeners. This long-day onion thrives in northern climates and produces medium to large bulbs.
When should you plant Red Wing Russian Red Onion in your zone?
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Example Red Wing Russian Red Onion timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Wing Russian 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 Red Wing Russian Red Onion
Around Jul 26≈ 100 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Wing Russian Red Onion dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Ideal in zones 4-7; excellent for northern gardens with long summer daylight
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Seedling & Transplant
2-4 weeksThin green shoots emerge from sets or germinated seeds. Plants develop thin, tubular foliage
Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing if direct seeding. Transplant sets 4 inches apart after soil is workable in spring
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksRapid leaf expansion with 6-12 green shoots per plant. Plants develop deeper root systems and foliage reaches 12-18 inches tall
Maintain consistent moisture and apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Ensure long daylight exposure. Remove any flowering scapes that appear
Bulbing
4-6 weeksBase of plant swells as bulb develops underground. Foliage remains green and upright; visible thickening at soil line
Bulbing is triggered by day length (14-16 hours for long-day varieties). Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive foliage at expense of bulb. Maintain steady water supply
Maturation & Curing
2-4 weeksTops begin to yellow and flop over. Outer skin papery and colorful (deep red/crimson). Bulbs firm with good storage potential
Reduce watering significantly once tops start to flatten. Do not break over tops artificially. Allow natural senescence. Cure in warm (75-85°F), airy location for 2-3 weeks before storage
Harvest & Storage
Ongoing storageTops fully dried and fallen. Bulbs firm with papery outer skin. Ready for long-term storage
Harvest when 80-90% of tops are down. Dry completely before storing. Store in cool (35-45°F), dry location with good air circulation. Properly cured Red Wing keeps 4-6 months
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers at planting; remove infested sets; apply spinosad or sand/diatomaceous earth around base; crop rotation
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Reflective mulch; neem oil spray; insecticidal soap; maintain consistent moisture to reduce stress
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Row covers; remove and destroy affected plants; crop rotation; avoid fresh manure
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Use disease-free sets; crop rotation (3+ years); improve drainage; avoid excessive nitrogen
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; fungicide if necessary; resistant varieties
Uses
Fresh eating and cooking
CulinaryRed Wing onions have a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to yellow storage onions. Excellent sliced raw in salads, grilled, caramelized, or roasted. [source]
Long-term storage
HouseholdRed Wing's exceptional keeping quality makes it ideal for root cellar storage and winter use. Properly cured bulbs maintain quality for 4-6 months. [source]
Pickling and preservation
CulinaryThe firm flesh and attractive red color make Red Wing excellent for pickling, canning, and other preservation methods. [source]
Traditional health uses
MedicinalRed onions contain quercetin and other antioxidants. Traditionally used in folk medicine for immune support and anti-inflammatory purposes. [source]
Natural dyes
CraftThe deep red and purple pigments can be used to create natural dyes for textiles and craft projects. [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 80-90% of foliage has dried and fallen naturally—typically late August to September in northern zones. Gently lift bulbs with a garden fork and lay on soil to cure in warm, airy conditions for 2-3 weeks. Once fully cured with papery skin, trim tops to 1 inch and store in mesh bags or wooden crates at 35-45°F with 60-70% humidity for excellent long-term storage (4-6 months).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Wing is a Russian heirloom variety prized for over a century in northern climates. Its cold hardiness and long storage life made it essential for surviving harsh winters in Russia and Eastern Europe.
- 🌱 The striking red and purple colors come from anthocyanin pigments, the same compounds that give blueberries and red grapes their health benefits. The deeper the color, the higher the antioxidant content.
- 🌱 Red Wing is a 'long-day' onion requiring 14-16 hours of daylight to form bulbs, making it uniquely suited to northern gardens at 45°+ latitude. It will not bulb properly in southern gardens with shorter days.
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