Premier NT Onion - Ferme de Sainte Marthe seeds

The 'Premier' Onion is a variety to be harvested in spring and summer, with rapid growth. It is cultivated for its small white bulbs, with firm and sweet flesh. It is an ideal onion for caramelising, and is used raw or cooked in many dishes. Sowing period is from February to April and from August to September for a harvest 3 to 6 months later.

There are around 900 species of onions, which are commonly categorised by colour: white, yellow, red, pink, or green. The onion is native to Central Asia, where it has been consumed for over 6000 years. Its presence is also noted in the tombs of pharaohs as a provision for the afterlife. Its therapeutic and gustatory virtues were already recognised. The Romans later introduced the onion to Western Europe. It is worth noting that it was Christopher Columbus who introduced it to the Americas during his second voyage.

This vegetable, rich in sulphur compounds, causes tears as soon as it is cut. It is these same compounds that are responsible for its hypoglycemic properties. Among other properties, the onion is known to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and lower blood pressure. Rich in vitamins A, B, C, and minerals, it is often more digestible when cooked and takes on a sweeter flavour.

Harvesting: to keep your onions "in storage" for as long as possible, it is necessary to harvest them under good conditions. First, make sure you have two to three days of good weather ahead. Onions are harvested when the stems are completely dried and flattened on the ground. Gently pull them out and let them dry for two to three days on the ground in the sun. After that, remove the excess dry soil by lightly rubbing them. Spring sowings are harvested in July-August to be consumed in autumn and winter. Autumn sowings are harvested in March to be consumed in spring and summer.

Storage: if the condition of the stems allows, you can make a braid and then hang the bunches. Otherwise, place your onions on racks in a dark, cool, dry, and well-ventilated place to prevent them from rotting. Check beforehand that they have not been bruised to avoid rot that could contaminate your entire harvest. If the storage place is too warm, the onions will tend to sprout. They can be stored for 5 to 7 months under good conditions. Of course, you can also consume your onions as you need them. They are actually best when fresh. In this case, the fresh leaves are also edible.

The Gardener's Tip: associate your onions with your carrots. Onions repel the carrot fly, while carrots moderate attacks from the onion fly. Onions like the company of beets, strawberries, and lettuces. But they hinder the growth of broad beans, peas, and beans.

Untreated or "NT" seeds come from plants cultivated conventionally (often with the use of pesticides), but they undergo no treatment after harvest. These seeds are allowed in organic market gardening when organic seeds are out of stock.