Pearl Onions and Bunching Onions

Two varieties pearl onions and one variety of bunching onions were grown at the Horticulture Research Center outside of Fort Collins, Colorado for demonstration purposes during the summer of 2004. Pearl onions were planted at 0.5 ” spacing in several bands, and bunching onions were planted at 1″ spacing in several bands grown on beds with 30″ centers and one line of drip tape. Below are photographs of the varieties and some production notes.

Customers may need recommendations for use of pearl onions. They are popular with some chefs, good for storage or fresh market, and can make a nice braiding onion. Thrips are the only significant pest. We will be experimenting with bulb onions in 2005.

Photo	Variety	Notes
	Purplette and Pearl Drop	Pearl Drop -harvest with tops requires moist soil to avoid breaking the tops and Purplette – hardier, easier to harvest
	Deep Purple	Beautiful color but we didn’t find it to be popular at markets.