Onion - Purplette (100 seeds)

Onion - Purplette

Allium cepa

Purplette is a charming and early-maturing mini onion producing small, glossy burgundy-purple bulbs with crisp white flesh and a mild, sweet flavour. One of the most versatile specialty onions available, it can be harvested young as purple-tipped spring onions, at golf ball size as a stunning mini onion, or grown on as a pearl onion for pickling. The deep burgundy skin transforms to a beautiful pastel pink when cooked or pickled, making it as decorative on the plate as it is in the garden.

A day-neutral variety well suited to a wide range of latitudes including most of New Zealand, Purplette matures exceptionally quickly and holds well in the field after reaching maturity. Excellent raw in salads, roasted whole, pickled, or used as a colourful garnish. Sow successively every two to three weeks for a continuous supply through the season.

Planting Season: Spring, Autumn, Winter (in many areas)
Sow: Direct, 6 mm deep in rows 15-20 cm apart
Spacing: Thin to 3-5 cm apart for mini bulbs; no thinning needed for scallions
Height: 20-30 cm
Germination: 7-10 days at 20-25°C
Harvest: 60 days for mini bulbs; earlier as purple spring onions
Flavour: Mild, sweet, and versatile; turns pastel pink when cooked or pickled