Seeds, Scallions Apache (West Coast Seeds)

Apache scallion seeds grow just like all the other scallions, but has a bright purple base end that colours up early in the season. If left to mature, it will form a vivid pink bulb or salad onion.

Its mild flavour and crisp texture make Apache a great candidate for adding colour and contrast to salads and sandwiches. Provide the frost protection of a cloche row cover, and Apache will grow slowly all winter long. Sow at three week intervals from March to the end of July for a continuous harvest. The quirky little onions are perfect for the market table. Winner of the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Matures in 65 days. (Open-pollinated seeds)

Timing
Start shallots and storage onions indoors in late winter and early spring, and transplant 2-4 weeks after the last frost date. Overwintering onions need to be started in early summer, and transplanted by the middle of August. Scallions can be direct sown every 3 weeks from two weeks after the last frost date to late summer. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 21-25°C (70-75°F). Seeds will emerge in 6-12 days, depending on conditions.

Starting
Transplants are preferred for home gardeners. Sow 3 seeds 5mm-1cm (¼-½”) deep in each cell of a 72-cell tray. Transplant as a clump, spacing each 15cm (6″) apart in rows 45-75cm (18-30″) apart. Scallions can be spaced at 2-5cm (1-2″) apart in rows 15cm (6″) apart.

Companion Planting
The pungent odour of onions repels many pests and also protects nearby garden vegetables. Plant chamomile and summer savory near onions to improve their flavour. Onions also work well alongside beets, Brassicas, carrots, dill, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, strawberries and tomatoes. Don’t plant onions near asparagus, or peas of any kind.