Thompson & Morgan Spring Onion Apache 1 Seed Packet - Purple

Grow your own delicious spring onions with ‘Apache’. These onions have attractive, deep purple-red...

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This guide is for home gardeners looking to grow visually appealing and flavorful spring onions. The key benefit is the unique deep purple-red skin of the ‘Apache’ variety, offering a mild taste and crisp texture for salads and crudités. A caveat is that the purple skin turns silvery when peeled, so the full color effect is best appreciated when used fresh.

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Model Part Number37198
BrandThompson & Morgan

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FAQs

When is the best time to sow Thompson & Morgan Spring Onion ‘Apache’ seeds?

You can sow seeds from late winter to summer at three-week intervals for a continuous harvest. For an earlier crop, sow in autumn and overwinter the plants.

What are the soil and light requirements for ‘Apache’ spring onions?

They thrive in any fertile, well-drained soil and require full sun for optimal growth.

How deep should I sow the seeds?

Sow the seeds thinly, 6mm deep in drills that are 15cm apart.

Do I need to thin the seedlings?

No thinning is usually required when sowing thinly at the recommended spacing.

How long does it take to harvest ‘Apache’ spring onions?

Harvesting typically begins 6-8 weeks after sowing.

Can I grow these in containers?

Yes, ‘Apache’ spring onions are versatile and suitable for growing in containers as well as directly in the ground.

What is the mature size of these spring onions?

They grow up to approximately 30cm in height and have a spread of about 5cm.

What makes the ‘Apache’ variety special?

The ‘Apache’ variety is known for its attractive deep purple-red skinned roots, offering a mild flavor and crisp crunch. The skin turns silvery when peeled.

Troubleshooting

Seeds are not germinating

Ensure seeds are sown at the correct depth (6mm) and the soil is kept consistently moist. Check if the sowing period is appropriate for your climate. Old seed packets may have reduced germination rates.

Plants are weak or leggy

Confirm the planting location receives adequate sunlight. Ensure the soil is fertile and well-drained. Overcrowded sowing can also lead to weaker plants.

Onions are small

Provide consistent watering and adequate nutrients. Ensure plants are not overcrowded. Harvest times can vary based on conditions; some may need slightly longer than the typical 6-8 weeks.

Pests (e.g., onion flies)

Companion planting with mint may help deter pests. Maintain good garden hygiene and healthy soil conditions to promote plant resilience.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Unique aesthetic appeal with deep purple-red roots.
  • Mild flavor profile suitable for various culinary uses.
  • Adaptable to both containers and garden beds.
  • Provides a continuous harvest with successive sowing.
  • Space-saving growth habit.

Cons

  • Purple skin turns silvery upon peeling, reducing visual impact in some dishes.
  • Requires full sun for optimal growth.
  • Successive sowing is needed for a prolonged harvest.
  • Approximately 450 seeds per packet means potential for excess if not all are sown.

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Sowing:

  • Choose a location with full sun.
  • Prepare fertile, well-drained soil.
  • Sow seeds thinly from late winter to summer at three-week intervals for a continuous harvest. For an early crop, sow in autumn and overwinter.
  • Create shallow drills 15cm apart and sow seeds 6mm deep. No thinning is usually required.

Compatibility:

  • Can be grown in containers or directly in the ground.
  • Companion planting with mint may help deter onion flies.

Care:

  • Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
  • Keep the area free of weeds which can compete for nutrients.
  • Harvest the spring onions when they reach the desired size, typically 6-8 weeks after sowing. Pull the entire plant or snip the green tops as needed.