Marksman is an overwintering bunching onion that bridges two species, combining the hardiness of Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum) with the vigor of common onion (Allium cepa). Ready to harvest in just 50 days from transplants, this compact variety thrives in zones 3 through 10 and tolerates frost well enough to survive winter in well-drained soil. It's built for gardeners who want scallions that can handle cold snaps and deliver a quick crop with minimal fuss.
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Moderate
3-10
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Moderate
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Marksman arrives at maturity faster than many bunching onions, hitting harvestable size in 50 days when started from transplants. Its frost-hardy nature means you can push the growing season into fall and even overwinter it in most climates, giving you fresh scallions when other gardens have shut down. The compact growth habit means it fits neatly into tight spaces, and its open-pollinated genetics mean you can save seed if you want to deepen your connection to this variety.
Marksman is grown for fresh scallions and bunching onions, harvested young for their tender green tops and mild white bases. The source catalog notes they can be gently loosened with a fork and gathered for washing and storage, suggesting they're used fresh at market or table. For gardeners interested in Negi-style scallions with a thicker blanched portion, Marksman can be started in flats and transplanted deeply to develop that characteristic long white shaft.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow 6 to 8 seeds per cell in 72-cell trays at the same time you would seed bulbing onions for transplant. Maintain temperatures between 50 and 75°F for germination. For Negi-style scallions with thicker blanched portions, start seeds in flats instead.
Transplant seedling clusters when they reach the pencil-thick stage (8 to 18 inches tall). Space them 6 to 8 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart for standard bunching onion production, or 6 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart for Negi-style development. Dig holes about 6 inches deep and allow only 1 to 2 inches of leaves to extend above the soil surface. Do not firm the soil; let irrigation or rain fill in around the transplants naturally.
Seed can be sown directly in early spring for summer use, and in July or August for fall and spring use.
Loosen plants gently with a fork or underminer and gather them once they reach usable size (50 days from transplants). Wash immediately and hydrocool before storage or display.
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