Onion – Buan

Allium cepa – approximately 300 seeds.

Brought back from near extinction by Irish Seed Savers who repatriated the seed from the Vavilov Gene Bank in 1997.  Originally bred in Ireland by onion enthusiast Barnie Crombie in the 1980s, this is a lovely large golden onion that grows particularly well in Irish and Scottish conditions.  Translated from Gaelic, ‘Buan’ can mean: long-lasting, durable, hardy or tough which is particularly apt as it stores extremely well, lasting throughout the winter.

Find out more about the Irish Seed Savers Association and the great work they are doing here: https://irishseedsavers.ie/

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.  

GROWN IN SCOTLAND