The Tradition of Sowing Onion Seeds on Boxing Day: Growing Bigger Onions

As the winter chill settles in and the festive season draws to a close, there’s a quiet, magical tradition that gardeners hold dear: sowing onion seeds on Boxing Day. This early start is believed to give onions a jump on the growing season, allowing them to establish strong roots and develop into large, healthy bulbs come summer. While it may seem like a small thing, this ritual is rooted in the belief that the longer growing season leads to bigger and better onions—something any gardener will appreciate come harvest time.

Onion sowing at this time of year takes advantage of the quiet winter months, giving you a head start before the real growing season kicks off in spring. When you start them indoors or in a cold frame on Boxing Day, you’re giving your onions a longer growing period, which can result in larger bulbs that store well through the winter months. Plus, it’s a perfect way to get your gardening fix after the holidays and dream of the fresh, homegrown produce to come.

You can read our full guide on how to sow and grow onions HERE so you can get ready to sow your onion seeds this boxing day!

Varieties to Try This Season

When it comes to onions, there are so many wonderful varieties to choose from—each with its own unique flavor, shape, and growth habit. Here are a few of my favorites that I’m planning to sow this Boxing Day:

1. Onion Galactcus

Onion Galactcus

This variety is perfect for those who love a mild, sweet onion. Galactcus onions grow large, with thick, juicy flesh that’s excellent for raw eating in salads or on sandwiches. They’re also perfect for caramelizing, as their natural sweetness deepens when cooked. A real beauty for anyone looking for a versatile and flavourful onion.

2. Onion Cipolla Bianca Musona (White)

Onion Cipolla Bianca Musona (White)

If you’re after a stunning, crisp onion, then Cipolla Bianca Musona is a must-try. This white onion has a sharp yet sweet flavour that’s great for slicing thinly into salads or adding to Mediterranean dishes. It’s a classic Italian variety that’s as beautiful in the garden as it is on the plate, and it’s perfect for early sowing to get a jump on the growing season.

3.Onion Long Red of Florence

Onion Long Red of Florence

With its striking elongated shape and rich red colour, the Long Red of Florence is a showstopper both in the garden and in your kitchen. This variety has a slightly milder, sweeter flavour than traditional red onions, making it ideal for roasting or pickling. Its longer growing season allows it to develop deep, intense flavours that are perfect for enhancing your winter meals.

4. Onion Italian Flat

Onion Italian Flat

True to its name, the Italian Flat onion is a slightly squat, disc-shaped onion that’s perfect for a variety of dishes. It has a mild, delicate flavour that works wonders in Italian cooking, particularly when sautéed or added to pasta sauces. The flat shape means they store well, and because of their unique look, they’re always a conversation starter at the dinner table!

5.Onion Cipolla Ramata De Milano

Onion Cipolla Ramata De Milano

For a truly robust and flavourful onion, the Cipolla Ramata De Milano is a fantastic choice. Known for its slightly reddish skin and rich, sweet flavour, this variety is a traditional Italian favourite. It’s wonderful for slow roasting, grilling, or even braising, where its sweet, mild flavour can truly shine. Starting them early will give these beauties the time they need to develop their full flavour.

Why Start Onions on Boxing Day?

Sowing onions on Boxing Day isn’t just about tradition—it’s about giving your plants the best possible start. Onions thrive with a long growing season, and starting them early helps them build the strong root systems necessary for big bulbs. By sowing seeds indoors or in a cold frame, you’re mimicking the natural cycle while giving your onions the time and space they need to grow big and strong.

The other benefit of this early sowing is that you can get your onion seedlings into the ground as soon as the weather warms up in spring, allowing them to get a head start over those sowed later in the season. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about the first signs of life from your garden when the days are still cold and the world feels a little quieter.

In Conclusion

So, if you’ve got a few quiet hours on Boxing Day this year, why not give sowing onion seeds a go? With varieties like Onion Galactcus, Cipolla Bianca Musona, Long Red of Florence, Italian Flat, and Cipolla Ramata De Milano, you’ll be well on your way to a delicious, bountiful onion harvest. And who knows? The tradition might just become one of your favorite ways to start the growing season. Happy gardening, and here’s to bigger, better onions in the months ahead!