Top 10 Onion Varieties for Autumn and Winter Planting

Introduction

Onions are one of the most reliable and rewarding crops you can grow in a UK garden. They’re a kitchen staple, easy to cultivate, and with the right planning, you can enjoy a supply almost year-round. For an early harvest, planting autumn and winter onion sets is the best way forward. These varieties are specially bred to withstand colder weather, establishing in the autumn and overwintering until they burst into growth in spring.

But not all onions are suitable for autumn or winter planting. To get the best results, you need hardy varieties that thrive in UK conditions. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 onion varieties for autumn and winter planting, helping you choose the right sets for your garden.

1. Radar

• Type: Yellow onion
• Why plant it: Radar is one of the hardiest overwintering onions available, bred to cope with very cold conditions. It establishes strong roots in autumn and produces good-sized bulbs by early summer.
• Harvest: June
• Best for: Gardeners in colder northern regions.

2. Electric

• Type: Red onion
• Why plant it: A striking overwintering variety with vibrant red skins and mild, sweet flavour. Electric adds colour to both your garden and your cooking.
• Harvest: June–July
• Best for: Growers who want early red onions with strong flavour.

3. Shakespeare

• Type: Yellow onion
• Why plant it: Highly reliable and disease-resistant, Shakespeare is a top choice for beginners. It grows consistently in a wide range of soils and is less prone to bolting than many other varieties.
• Harvest: June
• Best for: Beginners and low-maintenance gardens.

4. Senshyu Yellow

• Type: Japanese overwintering onion
• Why plant it: Bred specifically for overwintering, this variety thrives in UK conditions. It produces medium-sized bulbs with excellent flavour and copes well with frost.
• Harvest: June–July
• Best for: Mild and coastal regions where winters are damp but less harsh.

5. Swift

• Type: Yellow onion
• Why plant it: A fast-growing overwintering onion, Swift matures earlier than many other varieties. It’s ideal if you want an extra-early crop.
• Harvest: Late May to June
• Best for: Gardeners looking for the earliest possible onions.

6. Troy

• Type: Yellow onion
• Why plant it: Troy is a popular overwintering variety with strong resistance to disease. It’s hardy and dependable, producing medium-sized bulbs with good storage potential.
• Harvest: June–July
• Best for: Gardeners who want reliability and storage.

7. Autumn Champion

• Type: Yellow onion
• Why plant it: As the name suggests, this onion is well-suited for autumn planting. It establishes quickly and produces uniform bulbs with a strong, classic onion flavour.
• Harvest: June
• Best for: All-rounders who want dependable results.

8. Red Arrow

• Type: Red onion
• Why plant it: A reliable overwintering red onion, Red Arrow produces bulbs with a deep, rich colour and mild flavour. It’s excellent for salads and adds variety to your onion crop.
• Harvest: June–July
• Best for: Gardeners who want both red and yellow onions in their harvest.

9. Hyred

• Type: Red onion (hybrid)
• Why plant it: Hyred is a hybrid overwintering onion with high yields and strong disease resistance. It produces vibrant red bulbs that store well for several months.
• Harvest: June–July
• Best for: Those wanting high yields and longer storage from red onions.

10. White Lisbon (Spring Onion for Winter Sowing)

• Type: Spring onion (salad onion)
• Why plant it: While not a bulb onion, White Lisbon can be sown in autumn for overwintering, giving you fresh, mild spring onions in early spring. It’s a great way to add variety and extend your onion season.
• Harvest: March–May
• Best for: Gardeners who want fresh salad onions before bulb onions are ready.

Tips for Planting Autumn and Winter Onion Sets

Planting Time

• Autumn onions: September–October
• Winter onions: November–December (sometimes into January in mild regions)

Spacing and Depth

• Plant sets 2–3cm deep, with the tip just below the surface.
• Space 10cm apart, with 25–30cm between rows.

Protection

• Cover with fleece or netting to stop birds pulling sets out.
• Mulch lightly to prevent frost heave and suppress weeds.

Care

• Minimal through winter.
• Feed with nitrogen fertiliser in spring, then switch to a potassium-rich feed in early summer.
• Water only during dry spells in spring and early summer.

Harvesting and Storing Autumn and Winter Onions

• Harvest: June–July, depending on variety.
• Signs they’re ready: Leaves yellow and flop over; bulbs firm and swollen.
• Lift gently with a fork; cure in a dry, airy space for 2–3 weeks.
• Store in mesh bags, nets, or braids in a cool, dry place.
• Storage: 3–5 months for most autumn and winter onions.

Conclusion

Choosing the right onion variety makes all the difference when planting in autumn and winter. Hardy, reliable sets like Radar, Shakespeare, and Senshyu Yellow ensure strong crops, while colourful options like Electric and Red Arrow add variety to your harvest. By mixing early, hardy, and storage-friendly types, you can enjoy a long-lasting supply of onions from early summer into autumn.

Planting autumn and winter onions is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and one of the best ways to make your garden productive through the colder months.

Top 10 Questions About Autumn and Winter Onion Varieties

1. What’s the best onion variety for autumn planting?
Radar and Shakespeare are excellent choices for UK gardens.

2. Can red onions be planted in autumn?
Yes, varieties like Electric, Red Arrow, and Hyred are suitable.

3. Which onion variety is the hardiest?
Radar is considered one of the most cold-hardy.

4. Which onion matures the earliest?
Swift produces an extra-early crop, sometimes ready in May.

5. Which onion stores the longest?
Troy and Hyred have good storage potential.

6. Can spring onions be sown in autumn?
Yes, White Lisbon can be overwintered for early spring harvests.

7. Do all onion varieties survive frost?
No, only overwintering types are suitable for autumn/winter planting.

8. When are autumn-planted onions ready to harvest?
Usually in June the following year.

9. When are winter-planted onions harvested?
Typically July, slightly later than autumn onions.

10. Can I plant supermarket onions in autumn?
No, they’re not bred for overwintering and may rot or bolt.