Description

The Onion Texas Grano (Allium cepa), also known as Texas Early Grano, is a short-day, heirloom onion variety released in 1944 by Texas A&M University. Renowned for its mild, sweet flavour, it produces large, globe-shaped bulbs with coloured skin and crisp, white flesh. Ideal for southern climates, the perfect sweet onion and is designed for fresh use in salads, salsas, or cooking.

This Vidalia-type onion is disease-resistant, stores well, and thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with full sun. It is one of the most popular cultivars for warm climates and performs particularly well in South African regions with mild winters.

 

Benefits

Disease Resistant

• Resilient to common onion diseases, reducing crop loss.

Insect Repellant & Pollinator

• Mature plants repel common garden pests such as aphids, carrot flies, and spider mites.
• Umbel-type flowers attract beneficial insects (like hoverflies and parasitic wasps) when allowed to flower and bolt.

Culinary & Medicinal Use

• Excellent for fresh use in salads, salsas, and sandwiches due to its mild sweetness.
• Ideal for grilling, caramelising, or roasting.
• Traditional use in immune-boosting broths and natural cold remedies.

Nutritional Benefits

• Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants (quercetin), and organosulfur compounds.
• Aids in blood sugar regulation and anti-inflammatory responses.
  
• Contains prebiotic fibres that support healthy digestion.

Garden Performance

• Early-maturing (faster than many long-day varieties).
• Produces uniform, large bulbs under correct day-length and soil conditions.
• Performs reliably across diverse South African growing zones.

 

How To Use

Onion Texas Grano flourishes under the following conditions:

• Season: Year Round
• Temperature: 15-20°C
• Germinate: 7-14 days
• Depth: 3 mm
• Spacing: 5x20 cm
• Harvest: 180-240 days
• Height: 30-60 cm
• Flowering Season: Spring/Summer
• Exposure: Full sun (6+ hours daily)

Ideal Growing Environment 

• Fertile, well-drained loam or sandy soil enriched with compost. Ideal pH: 6.0–6.8.
• Consistent moisture – keep evenly moist during bulb development; avoid overwatering in final stages.
• High nitrogen early on, then switch to phosphorus and potassium for bulb formation.
• Performs well in low to moderate humidity (40–60%); ensure airflow to prevent fungal issues.
• Best suited for mild winter regions of South Africa – Western Cape, parts of Gauteng, and Highveld areas. Avoid heavy rainfall areas during bulbing.
• Elevated beds or open fields with good drainage, avoiding areas prone to standing water.
• Pair with carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, or chamomile to repel pests and enhance growth; avoid beans or peas.
• Benefits from being planted alongside carrots, beetroot, lettuce, cabbage, and tomatoes.
• Avoid planting with peas, beans, and asparagus – may inhibit their growth.

 

For placement of large orders contact us at: office@greenhouston.co.za