Red Creole Heirloom Onion Starts
Best short-day onion for gardeners seeking long-term storage and disease resistance.
Cultivate delicious onions with these Red Creole Heirloom Onion Starts from Sow True Seed. This variety is prized for its sweet flavor and slightly flattened globe shape. A significant advantage is its ability to be stored longer than typical sweet onions, making it a good keeper. These starts offer resistance to common issues like botrytus and pink root. Note that Red Creole is classified as a Short Day Onion. Each purchase includes approximately 45 plants, available for pre-order starting January 1, 2026, with shipping estimated between March 9th and March 20th, 2026.
$14.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
837
/ 3084
#837 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-46%
Below average
Cultivar
Red Creole
/ Red Creole
Who it's for
- Homesteaders seeking long-term pantry staples
- Gardeners in hot, arid climates
- Impatient growers wanting a faster harvest
Who should skip it
- Northern gardeners in long-day regions
- Cooks who prefer mild, sweet onions for salads
- Budget-conscious gardeners preferring long-term seed storage
Performance breakdown
Storage Longevity
Outlasts most sweet varieties in the pantry for extended seasonal enjoyment.
Disease Resilience
Robust defense against botrytis and pink root ensures a healthier harvest.
Flavor Profile
Delivers a classic, sweet red onion bite perfect for culinary applications.
Planting Versatility
Strict short-day requirements limit successful cultivation to specific geographic latitudes.
Establishment Ease
Live starts provide a significant head start over traditional seed sowing.
Yield Density
Forty-five plants per order offer a substantial bounty for home gardens.
Key Specs
Cultivar
Red Creole
Package Type
Starts
Quantity
Approximately 45 plants
Scientific Name
Allium cepa
Disease Resistance
Botrytus and pink root
Onion Type
Short Day Onion
Unit of Measure
plants
Sun Exposure Requirement
Full Sun
Features
- Heirloom variety with sweet red onion flavor
- Good keeper for extended storage
- Resistant to botrytis and pink root
- Sold as live plant starts
- Short Day Onion classification
- Approximately 45 plants per order
What customers say
These Red Creole Heirloom Onion Starts are highly valued for delivering superior flavor and reliable success. Customers consistently note the exceptional health of the starts upon arrival, citing thick foliage and strong roots that ensure easy garden establishment. This product significantly reduces the risk of starting onions from seed, providing a valuable head start. The resulting deep red bulbs are praised for their excellent storage capacity and signature pungent sweet flavor, distinguishing them from standard varieties. While the initial cost is higher, the near guaranteed success and premium harvest quality offer extremely high perceived value. Gardeners overwhelmingly recommend these starts for their authentic heirloom performance.
Know before you buy
Short Day onions begin forming bulbs when they receive 10 to 12 hours of daylight. They are best suited for southern regions where these light conditions occur earlier in the spring.
Using live starts gives you a significant head start in the growing season compared to direct sowing. Because these are established plants, they are more resilient and reach maturity faster than seeds.
Yes, Red Creole is known for its excellent storage capabilities. Unlike many other sweet onion varieties that must be eaten quickly, these bulbs can be cured and stored for several months if kept in a cool, dry place.
These onions require a location with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Ensuring the soil is loose and drains well is essential to prevent rot and encourage healthy bulb development.
They have moderate water requirements, meaning you should keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Their natural resistance to botrytis and pink root also helps reduce the need for intensive disease management.
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$15