How to Grow Texas 1015 Onion
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Texas 1015 Onion
Allium cepa 'Texas 1015'
vegetableTexas 1015 is a sweet, short-day onion variety bred at Texas A&M University, renowned for its mild flavor and excellent storage capabilities. These large, golden-yellow onions are ideal for fresh eating, grilling, and storage, maturing in approximately 100-120 days. The variety is especially well-suited to southern growing regions where it has become a signature crop.
When should you plant Texas 1015 Onion in your zone?
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Example Texas 1015 Onion timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Texas 1015 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 Texas 1015 Onion
Around Jul 26≈ 100 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Texas 1015 Onion dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-10; grown as winter/early spring crop in warm regions
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Transplant/Establishment
2-3 weeksYoung plants with 2-3 green leaves, root system developing
Plant transplants or sets in fall (September-November in warm regions); keep soil consistently moist; apply balanced fertilizer at planting
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksFoliage expands with multiple green leaves, underground bulb begins to swell
Maintain steady watering; apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 3-4 weeks; remove any flower buds that form; keep weed-free
Bulb Development
4-6 weeksVisible swelling at soil line as bulb enlarges; foliage remains green and upright
Transition to lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus/potassium fertilizer; maintain consistent moisture; mulch lightly to retain moisture
Maturation
2-3 weeksBulb reaches full size; tops begin to yellow, weaken, and fall over
Reduce watering gradually as tops yellow; stop fertilizing; do not break over tops prematurely—let them fall naturally
Harvest & Curing
2-4 weeks curing timeTops completely dried and brown; papery skin fully developed; bulbs ready for storage
Pull or dig bulbs when 50-75% of tops have fallen over; cure in warm, dry location with good air circulation for 2-4 weeks before storage
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers at planting; apply neem oil or spinosad; practice crop rotation; remove affected plants
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Use reflective mulch; spray with insecticidal soap; maintain adequate moisture to discourage thrips
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Use disease-resistant varieties; practice 3-year crop rotation; ensure good drainage; disinfect tools
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Plant in well-draining soil; avoid overhead watering; store bulbs in cool, dry conditions; practice crop rotation
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead irrigation; apply copper fungicide if needed; remove affected foliage
Uses
Fresh eating and grilling
CulinaryTexas 1015 onions are exceptionally sweet and mild with low pungency, making them ideal for eating raw in salads, salsas, and burgers. Their large size and firm structure also make them perfect for grilling and caramelizing. [source]
Storage and preservation
CulinaryThis variety is renowned for its excellent storage capabilities, retaining quality for 4-6 months when properly cured and stored in cool, dry conditions. Unlike many sweet onion varieties, Texas 1015 maintains its flavor and firm texture throughout the storage period. [source]
Nutritional and health benefits
MedicinalLike all onions, Texas 1015 contains quercetin, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. The high sulfur content supports immune function and may have cardiovascular benefits. [source]
Natural cleaning agent
HouseholdOnion juice and skins can be used as a natural cleaning solution and pest deterrent in the garden. The papery outer skins are also composted or used as mulch. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeWhen allowed to bolt, onion flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators. This is particularly useful if saving seed or encouraging natural pest control in the garden. [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 naturally fallen over and begun to dry (typically April-May in Texas). Gently loosen soil with a fork and pull by hand. Avoid bruising bulbs. Cure in a warm (70-75°F), dry, well-ventilated location for 2-4 weeks until papery skin is completely dry. Store in mesh bags or braids in a cool (32-40°F), dry place; properly cured Texas 1015 onions can store 4-6 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Texas 1015 was developed by Texas A&M University in the 1980s and was named for the ideal planting date in the Julian calendar (October 15) for Texas growers.
- 🌱 This variety is so iconic in Texas that it earned the designation of 'Texas Superb' vegetable and has won multiple All-America Selections awards.
- 🌱 Texas 1015 onions are sweet enough to eat like apples fresh from the garden, with sugar content that rivals many fruit varieties—some growers report Brix readings (sugar content) of 12-14%.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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