HAS BEEN AROUND LONG BEFORE ANCIENT ROMAN TIMES! ONION CIPOLLINI RED IS A UFO SHAPED ONION WHICH IS THE KING OF CARAMELISATION! YOUR BURGERS AND BBQ’S WILL NEVER BE THE SAME! A SUPREME TASTE, EASY TO GROW AND VERY ATTRACTIVE TOO!

Onion Cipollini Red (Allium cepa ‘Cipollini Rosso’) is a traditional Italian heirloom onion prized for its flat, disc-like shape, deep red skin, and sweet, rich flavour. The word “cipollini” means “little onion” in Italian, and these onions have been grown in Italy since at least the 15th century, especially in regions such as Tuscany and Calabria. They were commonly used in rustic cooking, known for caramelising beautifully due to their high natural sugar content.

Historically, onions like Cipollini were used not just as food but also for their medicinal qualities. Onions have long been valued for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, used in traditional medicine to treat coughs, colds, wounds, and digestive issues. Red onions in particular are rich in quercetin, anthocyanins, and other antioxidants thought to support heart health and immunity.

Cipollini Red onions are small and flattened, with a wide, round base and thin neck. The skin is a glossy deep red, while the flesh inside is white with pinkish layers. Their unusual shape and rich flavour make them excellent for roasting whole, grilling, or pickling.

To grow them from seed:

Start early in the season. In most parts of Australia, sow seeds in late summer to autumn (February to April) in warm areas, or late winter to early spring (August to September) in cooler regions.

Sow seeds 5 mm deep in trays or directly into well-prepared garden beds. Keep soil moist during germination, which takes about 7–14 days.

Once seedlings are 10–15 cm tall, transplant them 10 cm apart in rows 25–30 cm apart.

Choose a sunny position with rich, well-drained soil, and avoid over-fertilising with nitrogen, as this encourages leaf growth at the expense of bulbs.

Cipollini onions take about 90–110 days to mature. The tops will begin to fall over when they are ready for harvest. Pull them up, dry them in a sunny, airy spot for several days, and store in a cool, dry place.

With their compact size, delicious flavour, and long history, Onion Cipollini Red is a perfect choice for home gardeners looking to grow something traditional, tasty, and a little different!