Long Red Onion ‘Tropea Rossa Lunga’ Seeds | Sweet Calabrian Heritage Variety | Allium cepa L.

Long Red Onion ‘Tropea Rossa Lunga’ is an esteemed Calabrian speciality, treasured for its remarkable sweetness and elegant elongated form. Still produced in its region of origin, this onion holds DOP status — a mark of authenticity comparable to Champagne — and is celebrated for its delicate flavour and tender, rosy flesh.
So sweet it is said you can almost eat it like an apple, this mid‑early variety produces long, tapered bulbs with reddish‑purple skin and firm, succulent flesh. Its naturally high sugar content makes it exceptional for caramelising, grilling, or enjoying fresh in salads. Featured on BBC Gardeners’ World with Monty Don, The Hairy Bikers, and by Stanley Tucci, it remains one of Italy’s most iconic onions. Approx. 500 seeds per packet.

🌱 Sowing information
Sow from April to September in well‑drained soil or seed trays. Cover lightly and keep the soil gently moist until germination.
☀️ Light exposure
Requires full sun to develop sweetness and colour.
💧 Water needs
Water regularly during establishment. Reduce watering as bulbs mature to enhance flavour and firmness.
🌡️ Germination temperature & time
Germinates best in mild, steady temperatures. Expect germination in 10–20 days.
📏 Plant spacing & final size
Thin or transplant seedlings 10–15 cm apart. Produces long, slender bulbs with vibrant purple skin.

Bullet Technical Data

🌱 Sowing depth: 0,5–2 cm (¼–¾”)
📅 Sow: April–September (in well‑drained soil or seed trays)
☀️ Light: Full sun
🌡️ Germination: 10–20 days in mild, steady temperatures
📏 Height: Medium foliage; long, slender bulbs
🪴 Spacing: 10–15 cm between plants
⏳ Harvest: Around 90–120 days from sowing, when tops begin to fall and yellow
🔢 Seeds: Approx. 500 seeds per packet

Tips & Tricks
For the sweetest bulbs, grow in full sun and avoid overwatering late in the season. Harvest when the tops begin to fall naturally. Cure in a warm, airy place to enhance flavour and storage life.

Garden-to-Table Recipe
Caramelised Tropea Onion Bruschetta for Four
Ingredients
• 4 large Tropea onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• Sea salt and black pepper
• 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
• Fresh basil leaves

Method
Warm the olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly for 15–20 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Stir in the balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper, and continue cooking until the onions become glossy and caramelised.
Spoon the warm onions over toasted baguette slices and finish with fresh basil. Serve as an elegant starter or alongside grilled meats.