Talon Onion is a long-season bulbing onion bred for serious gardeners willing to invest 110 days of growing time for substantial yields. Hardy across zones 3 to 10, this cultivar thrives in cool to moderate climates and demands consistent moisture and well-prepared soil (pH 6.0-7.0) to reach its full potential. Direct sown or transplanted, Talon performs best when given proper spacing and careful attention to moisture management as bulbs mature, then harvested once the protective papery skin has formed.
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High
3-10
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Moderate
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Talon requires patience but rewards it with a long growing season that produces well-developed bulbs suited to storage. The variety's frost-hardy nature means it can be grown across a broad hardiness range, making it accessible to gardeners in cooler regions where other onion types might struggle. Success hinges on understanding onions as photoperiodic plants that respond to day length, and on withholding water as harvest approaches to encourage the formation of protective layers that extend shelf life.
Talon onions are grown for the mature bulbs, which can be stored long-term for year-round kitchen use. The extended growing season and emphasis on proper curing makes this variety particularly suited to gardeners who preserve their harvest rather than consuming fresh throughout the season.
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Sow 10 to 12 seeds in a 4 to 6 inch pot. If seedling tops reach over 5 inches before transplanting, cut them back to 3 inches to encourage stronger root development.
When transplanting seedlings outdoors, carefully separate them and place in a shallow trench. Fill the trench around seedlings and water in well to establish good soil contact.
Direct sow when soil temperatures allow germination between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Thin to the strongest plant when seedlings reach 4 to 5 inches in height.
Harvest Talon onions after about half the tops have fallen over naturally. Push over any remaining tops and wait approximately 1 week before harvesting. Loosen the soil around the bulbs to encourage drying. Harvest only in dry weather, as onions harvested in wet conditions do not cure well and are prone to rot. Remove any onions that have sent up flower stalks before they interfere with bulb development.
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