A freshly pulled Red Burgundy onion showing its flat deep-red bulb and roots

How to Grow Red Burgundy Onions From Seed

Updated July 2026

Red Burgundy is a mild, sweet red onion with a flattened globe shape, deep burgundy skin, and pink-tinged rings that look beautiful on the plate. It is a short-day variety that grows quickly and suits Southern gardens or an early start further north. Here is what makes this variety special and how to get the best from it.

Quick start

Start seeds indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost, or direct-sow in early spring. Transplant seedlings 4 to 6 inches apart in full sun and rich soil, keeping them weed-free and evenly watered. Feed until the bulbs begin to swell, then stop. Harvest in about 95 to 100 days when the tops fall and the skins color up.

Best tip

Red Burgundy is a short-day onion best suited to the South or to an early indoor start in the North. It is grown for fresh eating rather than long storage, so use it within a couple of months. Keep young plants out of hard cold snaps to avoid bolting, and give steady water so the mild, sweet flavor develops.

At a glance

Botanical nameAllium cepa
Plant typeShort-day red onion
USDA zones3 to 9 (grown as an annual)
SunFull sun (6 or more hours)
Days to maturity95 to 100 days
Height12 to 18 inches
Spacing4 to 6 inches apart
WaterSteady and even; about 1 inch a week

Uses

Red Burgundy is a mild, sweet red perfect for eating fresh. Its colorful rings brighten salads, salsas, tacos, and burgers, and it is lovely pickled or grilled. Like most sweet reds it does not store for long, so enjoy the crop through late summer and fall.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Red Burgundy onion take to grow?

About 95 to 100 days from transplant, plus roughly 8 to 10 weeks of indoor growing first. It is one of the faster bulbing onions.

What does a Red Burgundy onion look like?

It forms a flattened globe with glossy deep-red to burgundy skin and white flesh ringed with pink. The mild, sweet flavor matches its pretty looks.

Is Red Burgundy a good storage onion?

No, it is a sweet, fresh-eating red with higher moisture, so it keeps only a month or two. For winter storage choose a firmer, more pungent long-day onion.

Where does Red Burgundy grow best?

As a short-day onion it bulbs best in the South or in mild-winter regions. Northern gardeners can grow it from an early indoor start for a summer crop.

Ready to grow your own? Our 8 Onion Variety Pack lets you grow Red Burgundy alongside seven other onions from a single order. For the full step-by-step, see our complete onion growing guide linked at the top of this page.

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Want more onions? These value packs pair red onions like Red Burgundy with other varieties:

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Maxim Kaufman, Founder and CEO of Organo Republic

By Maxim Kaufman — Founder & CEO, Organo Republic

Maxim founded Organo Republic in 2017 and personally selects, tests, and grows the heirloom, non-GMO varieties the company offers. Under his leadership, Organo Republic was named Agri Business Review’s Top Non-GMO Seed Variety Solution 2026.

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