About

Allium cepa 'Hercules' is a widely favored onion variety recognized for its impressive yield. It generates sizable, nearly spherical bulbs that boast a rich flavor and have appealing dark golden brown skins. This cultivar also has excellent storage capabilities post-harvest.

About the genus

Allium consists of bulbous herbaceous perennials characterized by a pronounced onion or garlic aroma. They feature linear, strap-like, or cylindrical leaves that arise from the base. The flowers, which can be star-shaped or bell-shaped, are arranged in an umbel atop a stem that lacks leaves.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam, Sand, Clay, Chalk
Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Herbs - Culinary, Bulbs
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
1 year

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in any fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun. Plant out sets in Spring, leaving 10cm between each bulb and 30cm between each row. See Vegetable Cultivation
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by sets, planted out in Spring
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to onion fly. Birds may be a problem, cover with fleece or netting
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to onion white rot, leek rust, bolting