Onion 'Ailsa Craig'

Introduced in 1887 and named after a granite island in the Firth of Clyde, 'Ailsa Craig' is a legendary British onion variety. It is famous specifically for its potential to grow to an enormous size, making it the top choice for exhibition and show benches across the UK. It produces large, globe-shaped bulbs with a mild, sweet flavour and attractive straw-coloured skins. While it can reach massive proportions for competition, it also functions perfectly well as a standard kitchen onion. It is typically grown from seed sown very early in the year (often January) under glass to give it the long growing season it needs to reach its full potential. It requires a very fertile, well-prepared soil and a sunny position. It is hardy to H4. While its storage life is shorter than some modern hybrids (lasting until mid-winter), its magnificent size and heritage status make it a perennial favourite among British growers.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Light, very fertile, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.