Untreated Ailsa Craig Onion - Ferme de Sainte Marthe seeds

The 'Ailsa Craig' NT Onion is a variety to be harvested in summer, with good storage but sensitive to cold. It is grown for its large yellow copper-coloured bulbs. Its firm flesh is sweet and juicy, and it is used raw or cooked in many dishes. Sowing from February to April for a harvest 3 months later.

There are around 900 species of onions, which are usually categorised by color: white, yellow, red, pink, or green. The onion originates from Central Asia, where it has been consumed for over 6000 years. Its presence is also attested in the tombs of the pharaohs as provisions. Its therapeutic and gustatory virtues were already recognised. The Romans later introduced the onion to Western Europe. It is worth noting that it was Christopher Columbus who introduced it to the Americas during his second voyage.

This vegetable, rich in sulphur compounds, causes tears as soon as it is cut. It is these same compounds that are responsible for its hypoglycemic properties. Among its other properties, onions are reputed to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and lower blood pressure. Rich in vitamins A, B, C, and minerals, it is often more digestible when cooked and takes on a sweeter flavour.

Harvesting: to preserve your "storage" onions for as long as possible, it is necessary to harvest them under good conditions. First, make sure you have two to three days of good weather ahead. Onions should be harvested when the stems are completely dried up and folded down to the ground. Gently pull them out and let them dry for two to three days on the ground in the sun. After that, remove the excess dry soil by lightly rubbing them. Spring sowings are harvested in July-August to be consumed in autumn and winter. Autumn sowings are harvested in March to be consumed in spring and summer.

Storage: if the condition of the stems allows, you can braid them and hang the bundles. Otherwise, place your onions on racks in a dark, cool, dry, and well-ventilated place to prevent them from rotting. Check beforehand that they have not suffered any bruises to avoid rotting, which could contaminate your entire harvest. If the storage location is too warm, the onions will tend to sprout. They can be stored for 5 to 7 months under good conditions. Of course, you can also consume your onions as you need them. They are actually best when fresh. In this case, the fresh leaves are also edible.

The gardener's tip: associate your onions with your carrots. Onions repel carrot flies, while carrots moderate attacks from onion flies. Onions like the company of beets, strawberries, and lettuces. However, they hinder the growth of broad beans, peas, and beans.

Untreated or "NT" seeds come from plants grown conventionally (often with the use of pesticides), but they undergo no treatment after harvesting. These seeds are allowed in organic market gardening when organic seeds are out of stock.