Onion (Allium cepa)

Family: Alliaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (5/5)

Allium cepa is an evergreen Bulb growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring in soups, stews and many other cooked dishes. — Bulb - raw or cooked.; A very versatile food, the bulb can be 10cm or more in diameter and is widely used in most countries of the world.; Eaten raw, it can be sliced up and used in salads, sandwich fillings etc, it can be baked or boiled as a vegetable in its own right and is also commonly used as a flavouring in soups, stews and many other cooked dishes.; Some cultivars have been selected for their smaller and often hotter bulbs and these are used for making pickles.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in the wild. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)