Patterson Onion is an F1 hybrid variety that matures in 104 days from transplants, delivering reliable bulbs across hardiness zones 2-10. This compact grower thrives in cool to warm climates and earns its reputation as an exceptionally long-storing yellow onion, making it a smart choice for gardeners who want harvest-and-forget reliability with impressive storage potential. The variety's frost-hardy nature means you can start seeds early in spring and trust it to perform even as temperatures fluctuate.
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High
2-10
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Moderate
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Patterson Onion stands out for its exceptional storage longevity, remaining viable for months when properly cured and stored in cool conditions. As an F1 hybrid, it combines vigor and uniform maturity, producing compact plants that need minimal space, just 2 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. At 104 days from transplants, you'll move from seedling to harvest in a single growing season without complexity, making it accessible to both new and experienced onion growers.
Patterson Onion is grown primarily for long-term storage and kitchen use. Its extended shelf life makes it valuable for home gardeners planning winter cooking, while its compact growth habit suits small plots and container gardening where space is limited. The bulbs store well in cool, dry conditions for months, providing fresh onions well into late winter or early spring.
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Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date in 128-cell trays, placing 1 seed per cell and covering with 1/4 inch of soil. Keep soil temperature between 50-70°F for consistent germination. If seedling tops exceed 5 inches before transplant time, clip them back to 3 inches to prevent tangled, difficult-to-separate roots. Alternatively, sow up to 10-12 seeds in a 4-6 inch pot if you prefer a more flexible approach.
Transplant 4 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart after your last frost date, once seedlings have developed several true leaves. Since Patterson Onion is frost-hardy, it can tolerate cool spring soil temperatures. Carefully separate seedlings and place them in a shallow trench, then fill soil around them and water well to establish good root contact. In long- and intermediate-day areas, this timing ensures bulbs will respond appropriately to photoperiod cues for proper bulbing.
Harvest Patterson Onion after approximately 104 days from transplanting. As bulbs approach maturity, withhold water to encourage the formation of the protective papery outer skin. When about half the tops have naturally fallen over, push over any remaining tops and wait approximately 1 week before harvesting. Harvest only in dry weather, as onions harvested in wet conditions do not cure properly and are prone to rot. Loosen the soil gently around bulbs before lifting to minimize damage. Remove any onions that have sent up flower stalks, as these will not store well.
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