À propos Saint-Didace Red Onion
Carefully selected by Yves Gagnon over 40 years ago from the Red Man onion (discontinued), this large red onion has wonderfully adapted to the conditions of the Maskinongé River valley. Grown in zone 4b, the bulb, which can be easily stored for 8 months, is suitable for both cooking and raw consumption. It was named Rouge de Saint-Didace by the person who gave it its new characteristics. Quebec heritage.
Growing tips for the Red Onion of Saint-Didace
Quebec Heritage Onion
These are the magnificent hermaphroditic flowers gathered in umbels which, once fertilized by bees, will produce onion seeds. The onion, Allium cepa , is a biennial species, meaning that it only produces seeds in the second year of its growth, from first-year bulbs that are planted in the second year for seed production. My father, Yves Gagnon, has been working for 40 years to improve this line of red onion which was originally called the Red Man. When, after 30 years of selection work, he realized that the cultivar had transformed itself by adapting to the climate of Lanaudière and also to the photoperiod of our latitude (because the growth of the onion is very closely linked to the photoperiod), he decided to rename this onion the Rouge de Saint-Didace. This large onion, when given the right conditions, can be used in cooking as well as eaten raw, in salads or sandwiches, as it is not too strong in taste. Since onions prefer dry conditions, growing this lily is complex.
Catherine, owner
Deep seed tray
Ideal for seedlings without transplanting, such as onions and leeks.
Measures: 8.75" x 5.875" x 3"
Yves Gagnon
Onion growing conditions
Onions are sensitive to photoperiod. It is important to choose cultivars adapted to their latitude. In southern Canada and the northern United States, long-day cultivars are grown that begin developing their bulbs at the summer solstice, when the photoperiod begins to decline. The size of the bulb is proportional to the volume of foliage produced before this time. To obtain good-sized bulbs, the onion must be planted as early as possible in the spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. There is no need to worry about frost, as the onion is resistant to it. Onions prefer light, loose, humus-rich soils. They react poorly to heavy, moist soils. They are grown in full sun, on a site with unrestricted air circulation. They tolerate drought well once established. Consistent moisture during the vegetative development period ensures good yields. The bulb ripens best in dry periods. Onions are moderately demanding plants. Good yields can be achieved without any compost if they have been abundant in previous years. In poor soil, apply 500 kg to 1 t of mature compost per 100 m2. Excess nitrogen hinders bulb maturation. The optimal pH for growing onions is between 6 and 7.5.
Onion Crop Rotation
Onions are normally grown at the end of the rotation with frugal plants. They can also be grown in the second year of the rotation with plants that require mature compost, but with less compost input than with the latter. It is recommended not to return to the same area with lilies for at least 4 years.
Onion companionship
Onions are good companions for carrots because they keep carrot flies away. However, growing these two species too closely together can be detrimental to onions, which are susceptible to fungal diseases when air circulation is inadequate. In addition, the shade cast by carrot foliage can hinder bulb maturation. Onions can be grown alone in a bed interspersed with beds containing other species. In addition to being a good companion for carrots, onions grow well alongside beets, parsnips, potatoes, lettuce, and brassicas. However, onions hinder the growth of peas, beans, and broad beans. The most important thing is to ensure good air circulation for onions to prevent the development of fungal diseases.
— These valuable tips were written by Yves Gagnon, in the book The ecological cultivation of vegetable plants , Colloidal Editions.
