Ailsa Craig Onion, Heirloom Seeds

Ailsa Craig Onion, Heirloom Seeds — The 1887 Scottish Castle Heirloom With Huge, Mild, Sweet Globe Bulbs

Ailsa Craig (Allium cepa) is a large, globe-shaped heirloom onion with a remarkable provenance — introduced in 1887 by David Murray, gardener for the Marquis of Ailsa at Culzean Castle in Maybole, South Ayrshire, Scotland. Golden straw-colored skin conceals pale yellow, relatively mild and sweet flesh that is recommended for fresh use. Excellent keeping qualities and a distinct advantage over regular Spanish varieties in earliness and weather tolerance make Ailsa Craig a superb variety for the home gardener. A long-day type suited to northern gardens. 100–110 days.

Why Grow Ailsa Craig?

• 1887 Scottish castle heirloom — introduced by the gardener at Culzean Castle
• Huge globe bulbs — golden straw skin, pale yellow mild sweet flesh
• Excellent keeping qualities — reliable storage through the season
• Earlier than Spanish varieties — distinct advantage in weather tolerance
• Recommended for fresh use — mild enough to enjoy raw
• Open-pollinated heirloom — save seed year after year

Growing Notes

Start indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost. Transplant outdoors when seedlings are pencil-thick, spacing 4–6 inches apart in full sun with fertile, well-draining soil. Long-day type — best for northern gardens above 36°N. Water consistently. Harvest when tops fall over and begin to dry. Cure 2–3 weeks before storing.

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.