Onion – Ailsa Craig

Allium cepa – approximately 200 seeds.

An old Scottish onion variety named after a small granite island in the Firth of Clyde, off the Ayrshire coast.  Bred in 1887 by David Murray, the head gardener at Culzean Castle at the time, the island of ‘Ailsa Craig’ is visible from the castle grounds. 

Ailsa Craig is a versatile, multi purpose onion famed for its large globe shape and lovely mild flavour.  Can often be found displayed at horticultural shows.   

 Growing Tips

Sow into pots or seed flats in Jan/Feb and place on a sunny window ledge, in a polytunnel or greenhouse ideally with a little heat.  Transplant to final growing position in April/May.  Alternatively direct sow in March/April and thin to desired spacing. 

TIP: If you are looking to store your onions, harvest after the tops start to drop and the bulbs start to go papery.  Keep a close eye on the weather, you may need to lift your onions slightly early and dry/cure them undercover if a lot of rain is forecast.