North Holland Blood Red - Dual Purpose Heirloom (250 seeds est)

A Heritage Gem – The Ultimate Red Salad and Storage Onion.

Hailing from the historic market gardens of the Netherlands, North Holland Blood Red (also known as 'Redmate') is a stunningly versatile heirloom that has earned its place in the modern kitchen garden. This variety is a true "two-in-one" performer: pull them young as vibrant, piquant spring onions, or leave them to mature into generous, deep-crimson bulbs that look as good as they taste.

Each pack contains 250 seeds, offering exceptional value for a variety that spans two harvest seasons. The beauty of North Holland Blood Red lies in its dramatic coloring—rich, burgundy-red outer skins that encase crisp, white flesh with delicate pink concentric rings. It lacks the overwhelming sharpness of many red onions, offering a sweet, mild flavor that makes it a favorite for raw eating, salads, and gourmet sandwiches.

Why 'North Holland Blood Red' is a garden essential:

• Dual Purpose Versatility: Harvest early in May/June for the most colorful spring onions you’ve ever grown, or harvest in late summer as a full-sized bulbing onion.

• Gourmet Sweetness: Naturally milder and sweeter than standard red onions, making it perfect for those who enjoy onions raw or lightly pickled.

• Excellent Companion Plant: A natural ally in the vegetable patch—plant them alongside carrots to help deter carrot root fly.

• Striking Appearance: The deep crimson stalks and vibrant bulbs add a professional, gourmet look to any salad bowl or kitchen display.

Growing Instructions

• Variety: North Holland Blood Red (Heirloom)

• Pack Size: 250 Seeds

• Position: Full Sun

• Sow Indoors: February to March (for earlier crops).

• Sow Outdoors: March to April.

• Sowing Depth: 1.5cm (0.5in).

• Spacing: For spring onions, thin to 5cm; for large bulbs, thin to 10–15cm apart.

• Harvest: May to June (Salad Onions) or August to September (Bulbs).

Gardener’s Tip: To enjoy a continuous supply of vibrant red salad onions throughout the summer, try "succession sowing"—sow a small amount of seeds every three weeks from March through to June.