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A freshly pulled Violet de Galmi onion showing its purple heirloom bulb and roots

How to Grow Violet de Galmi Onions From Seed

By Maxim Kaufman — Founder & CEO, Organo Republic

Updated July 2026

Violet de Galmi is a prized West African heirloom onion with purple-tinged skin, firm flesh, and a rich, pungent flavor that stores unusually well for a warm-climate onion. It is a short-day type that thrives in heat, making it a standout for Southern gardeners. Here is what makes this variety special and how to get the best from it.

This is the quick guide to Violet de Galmi. For the full step-by-step on starting seeds, sowing, feeding, and troubleshooting onions, see our complete guide to growing onions from seed.

Quick start

Start seeds indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost, or sow in fall in mild-winter regions. Transplant seedlings 4 to 6 inches apart in full sun and well-drained soil, keeping them evenly watered and weed-free. Harvest in about 100 days when the tops fall, then cure the bulbs for storage.

Best tip

Violet de Galmi is a short-day, heat-loving onion, so it performs best in the South or when fall-sown in mild-winter regions. It stores better than most short-day onions, so cure it thoroughly in a warm, airy spot after harvest and keep it dry to enjoy the crop for months.

At a glance

Botanical nameAllium cepa

Plant typeShort-day storage onion

USDA zones3 to 9 (grown as an annual)

SunFull sun (6 or more hours)

Days to maturity100 days

Height12 to 18 inches

Spacing4 to 6 inches apart

WaterSteady and even; about 1 inch a week

Uses

Violet de Galmi brings a deep, savory onion flavor to the kitchen. Its firm, purple-tinged flesh is excellent cooked into stews, sauces, and West African dishes, and it holds up well dried or stored. Use it wherever you want a robust, full-flavored onion.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Violet de Galmi onion take to grow?

About 100 days from transplant, plus roughly 8 to 10 weeks of indoor growing first.

What is special about Violet de Galmi?

It is a celebrated West African heirloom with purple-tinged skin, firm pungent flesh, and better storage life than most short-day onions.

Where does Violet de Galmi grow best?

As a heat-tolerant short-day onion, it thrives in the South or in mild-winter regions where it can be fall-sown for good-sized bulbs.

Does Violet de Galmi store well?

Yes, unusually well for a warm-climate onion. Cure the bulbs thoroughly and keep them cool and dry, and they will hold for several months.

Ready to grow your own? Our 8 Onion Variety Pack lets you grow Violet de Galmi 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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Onion Seeds Variety Pack – Non-GMO Heirloom8 onion varietiesEight sweet, storage, and specialty onions in one pack — the easiest way to grow a whole spread of varieties from a single order.

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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.