Allium cepa 'Borettana' (Onion) – Sweet, traditional Italian onion

Allium cepa 'Borettana' is a traditional Italian onion variety known for its narrow, elongated bulbs and sweet flavor. This unique onion is ideal for home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts who want to add a distinctive flavor and decorative touch to their garden and kitchen. Its mild and aromatic flavor makes Borettana perfect for fresh consumption, cooking, and creating specialty dishes. In fact, this variety, Allium cepa (Onion) Borettana, is a must-have for any vegetable garden.

The Allium cepa (Onion) Borettana is an excellent choice for those who love special flavors and dishes..

Characteristics of 'Borettana'

• Elongated, yellow-brown balls: Unique in shape and perfect for presentation and processing.

• Sweet, mild flavour: Ideal for salads, stir-fries, jams and traditional Italian dishes.

• Early Maturing: Ripens slightly earlier than many other traditional onions, with a harvest time of about 90–100 days.

• Strong, healthy plants: Good resistance to common growing challenges and easy to maintain.

Growth and care

Allium cepa 'Borettana' grows best in a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil. Tips for optimal cultivation:

• Sow: Indoors or in a greenhouse from February–March, depending on your region.

• Planting out: Outdoors from April–May, with 10–12 cm between plants and 30 cm between rows.

• Fertilization: Balanced fertilizers promote strong growth and optimal bulb development.

• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering to prevent rot.

Cultivation information

• Location: Sun

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile and slightly alkaline

• Harvest time: Early ripening, 90–100 days

• Uses: Fresh consumption, cooking, jams, preservation

• Maintenance: Low; regular weeding and watering

Culinary applications

The Borettana onion is beloved for its sweet flavor and crunchy texture, making it ideal for fresh dishes, salads, stewed, or caramelized. In Italy, this onion is often used in dishes like Borettane in agrodolce, or simply roasted as a side dish.

With the Allium cepa (Onion) Borettana dishes become truly special and full of flavour.

Benefits of this traditional onion variety

• Unique shape and taste: distinctive in both garden and kitchen

• Early maturing and reliable: quick results in the vegetable garden

• Versatile culinary uses: from raw to cooked

• Supports biodiversity: healthy plants that are less susceptible to diseases when properly cared for

Key Features

• Traditional Italian onion: Allium cepa 'Borettana'

• Elongated, yellow-brown balls

• Sweet, mild taste

• Early maturing and productive

• Ideal for home gardeners and culinary applications

• Easy to grow in sun and well-drained soil

In short: Allium cepa 'Borettana' is an exceptional onion with sweet, aromatic bulbs perfect for fresh consumption, cooking, and traditional dishes. Ideal for vegetable gardens, culinary gardens, and lovers of authentic Italian flavors, it's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to achieve a unique and flavorful harvest.

For all garden lovers, the Allium cepa (Onion) Borettana is a valuable addition to their collection.