When onions are first planted, their growth is concentrated on new roots and green leaves or tops.

The onion will first form a top and then when a specific combinationof daylight, darkness, and temperature
is reached, bulb formation starts. The size of the mature onion bulb is dependent on the number
and size of the tops.

For each leaf, there will be a ring of onion; the larger the leaf, the larger the ring will be.

The confusing part is that each variety needs a particular combination.

For instance, a variety that needs many hours of summer light will not perform well in an area that
receives fewer hours of light.

Onion growers categorize onions in one of three ways:

Short Day, Intermediate Day, and Long Day onions.....

    "Short Day"-
onions are recommended for southern states where
temperatures are normally warmer year round. The "short day" varieties will start
making bulbs early in the year when there are only 10 to 12 hours of daylight.
Because they have a higher concentration of water as opposed to solid fiber content,
they do not store well and should be eaten fresh.

    "Intermediate Day"-
onions need 12 to 14 hours of daylight to trigger the
bulbing process. Intermediate varieties are ideal for the zone between the north and south
but are well-adapted for almost all growing areas in the country.

    "Long Day"-
onions grow better in northern states because they need 14 to 16 hours
of daylight to bulb satisfactorily. Long day varieties generally have a more pungent
flavor than short day. They also store better. (Walla Walla is an exception to this rule.)

---

Did You Know?

Onions are high in energy and water content. They are low in calories, and have a generous amount
of B6, B1, and Folic acid.

Onions contain chemicals which help fight the free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals cause disease
and destruction to cells which are linked to at least 60 diseases.

To make onions milder, soak them in milk or pour boiling water over slices and let stand.
Rinse with cold water.

When a person eats at least 1/2 a raw onion a day, their good type HDL cholesterol goes
up an average of 30%. Onions increase circulation, lower blood pressure, and prevent blood clotting.