This torpedo-shaped Italian heirloom from Tuscany captures hearts with its perfectly balanced flavor and striking purplish-red color. Red of Florence onions mature in 100-120 days across zones 2-9, developing into oblong bulbs that slice more uniformly than round varieties. Originally from the capital of Tuscany, these rare gems contain beneficial anthocyanins and grow exceptionally well both indoors and outdoors.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-9
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam, Moderately Rich
Preferred Temp55-75°F
Growth Stats
24 in
Height
—
Width
4 in
Spacing
100–120
Days to Harvest
PeriodAnnual
TypeBulb
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-9
Size
24in H x ?in W
Growth
Annual
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
What sets Red of Florence apart is its distinctive torpedo shape that makes slicing effortless and uniform, while its mild sweetness and antioxidant-rich anthocyanins add both flavor and nutrition. This versatile Italian heirloom adapts remarkably well to different growing conditions and seasons, thriving as both spring and fall plantings. The oblong bulbs cure beautifully for storage while maintaining their delicate flavor profile that shines in fresh applications.
Common Uses
Red of Florence onions excel in fresh applications where their mild, sweet flavor shines brightest, particularly in salads and pickling. Their torpedo shape and balanced flavor make them exceptional for grilling whole or sliced, while their uniform slicing ability makes them perfect for cooking applications requiring consistent pieces. They're also excellent for curing and short-term storage, though they're best enjoyed fresh to fully appreciate their delicate flavor.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Does Not Flower, Grown For Bulbs
First Harvest
Mid-summer
Last Harvest
Late Summer
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost, sowing 1/4 inch deep in well-draining seed-starting mix. Maintain consistent moisture and provide adequate light for germination, which typically occurs in 7-14 days when soil temperatures reach around 60°F. Seedlings are ready for transplanting when they reach 4-6 inches in height with several developed leaves.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant hardened-off seedlings 4-6 weeks before the last frost of spring, as onions can tolerate light frosts. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil and space seedlings 4-6 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart for good air circulation.
Direct Sow
Seeds can be direct sown after the danger of frost has passed, planted 1/4 inch deep when soil temperatures reach around 60°F.
Harvesting
Red of Florence onions are ready for harvest when their green foliage turns yellow and starts to fall over, typically in late summer to early fall after 100-120 days. When tops begin to yellow and fall over, stop watering to allow bulbs to cure. Gently loosen soil around onions with a garden fork, then carefully lift bulbs to avoid bruising. Allow freshly harvested onions to cure in the garden for a few days if weather is dry, or move to a well-ventilated dry area if rain is expected.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Allium L.
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Genus
Allium
Duration
Annual
Native Status
L48 (I)
History & Origin
“Red of Florence onions trace their roots to the capital of Tuscany, where they developed their characteristic torpedo shape and balanced flavor profile. Also known as Tropea onions after the town of Tropea in Calabria, Italy, these onions represent centuries of Italian cultivation in regions with unique climate and soil conditions. This very rare heirloom has been preserved by seed savers who recognized its exceptional culinary qualities and reliable growing characteristics, making its way from Italian gardens to farms worldwide.”