Tropea Rossa Tonda Onion Seeds – Italian Heirloom Long-Day Variety for Sweet, Rose-Red Bulbs

Heirloom - Non-GMO - Reliable Germination

$3.49 USD
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Size: 1 Packet

What Makes Survival Garden Seeds Different - non-GMO heirloom seeds

Grow one of Italy’s most celebrated onions with Tropea Rossa Tonda Onion Seeds from Survival Garden Seeds. Adapted for North American gardens, this distinctive heirloom forms deep red, globe-shaped bulbs with a sweet, mild flavor and high sugar content. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, Tropea Rossa Tonda performs reliably in USDA zones 3–9 and is best planted in early spring for summer harvest.

Famous Italian Long-Day Onion:
Originating from the Calabria region—where it is honored with an annual festival, the Sagra della Cipolla di Tropea—Tropea Rossa Tonda is a long-day variety requiring 14–16 hours of summer sunlight to achieve full-size bulbs. Its early-maturing habit makes it particularly well suited for cooler northern zones where long-day conditions naturally occur.

Sweet, Flavorful, and Beautifully Colored:
This heirloom produces a generous harvest of round onions that begin as crisp white bulbs when picked young, then mature into attractive rose-red globes. Their naturally high sugar content gives them an exceptionally sweet, mild flavor. Tropea Rossa Tonda shines in salads, roasted dishes, grilled preparations, and caramelized recipes where its sweetness truly stands out.

Why Customers Love Tropea Rossa Tonda Onion:

  • Distinctive Italian heirloom adapted for North American gardens
  • Produces sweet, mild, rose-red bulbs with high sugar content
  • Early maturing long-day onion ideal for cooler regions
  • Versatile flavor for fresh eating and cooked dishes
  • Consistent yields in full sun and well-drained soil

How to Grow:
Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost date, ensuring steady moisture and bright light for strong seedling growth. Transplant outdoors once the soil can be worked. Tropea Rossa Tonda requires long days—14–16 hours of summer light—to form full bulbs, making northern climates ideal. Plant in loose, well-drained soil with full sun, water consistently, and keep beds weed-free. Harvest young for mild white bulbs or allow them to mature into their signature rose-red color.

Net Wt. 500 MG

Heirloom Vegetable Seeds

All of our seeds are open-pollinated, non-GMO, heirloom varieties with tested germination rates

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Allium cepa
  • Planting Zones
    3-9
  • Light
    Full Sun
  • Soil Temp for Germination
    60-75 Degrees F
  • Germination Time
    8-14 Days
  • Planting Depth
    1/2 Inch
  • Plant Size
    12-18 Inches Tall, 6-8 Inch Spread
  • Days to Harvest
    90-120 Days
  • Growing Instructions
    Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last average frost date, or sow directly outside once the ground can be worked. Keep evenly moist until well established. Trim back to 3" when transplanting to focus growth in roots. Plant seedlings 2" deep and space 4-6" apart.
  • Seed Saving Instructions
    Onions are biennial and produce flowers in the second year. In autumn, mulch heavily or pull up chosen bulbs to replant in spring. Once flowering heads begin turning brown, clip and place in a paper bag. Dry for several weeks, then shake to release. Separate and store in a cool, dry place.
  • Seed Count (approximate)
    112 to 130

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Why Choose Survival Garden Seeds

At Survival Garden Seeds, we believe in preparing today for tomorrow’s peace of mind. That’s why we offer only heirloom, non-GMO, and untreated seeds you can trust to nourish your family and support a sustainable lifestyle. As a family-owned American company, we’re committed to providing seeds that grow strong and true—helping you cultivate health, resilience, and beauty in your garden.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds are the types of seeds your grandparents grew. These varieties have been passed down from generation to generation. They’re old reliable open-pollinated varieties that aren’t typically grown commercially. Instead, they have a rich history that predates modern breeding techniques.

You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

How do I know my seeds are fresh?

Every seed packet includes a "packed for" date, and we germination test each seed lot before packaging to ensure you receive viable, high-quality seeds that are ready to grow.

Are your seeds treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our farmer seeds. All of our garden seeds for sale are untreated, open-pollinated, non-GMO, and heirloom varieties. They are kept in temperature-controlled cooler storage until they are packed and shipped to keep them pest and disease-free.

In what zones can I grow your seeds?

The seeds in our collections are specifically chosen from varieties that can be successfully grown from Zone 3 to Zone 10 USDA Hardiness Zones. However, individual varieties have specific needs to thrive in different environments. Each seed pack has optimal temperatures for germination and instructions on seed starting. Consult local frost dates to plan your garden and get the most out of your seeds.

What is the shelf life of these gardening seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly. Check your seed packet for specific varieties. For best results, keep your seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store them in an airtight container in a consistent temperature environment—a refrigerator or cool basement works well. Proper storage helps maintain germination rates and extends seed life well beyond the packed date.

Where are Survival Garden Seeds sourced?

The majority of our seeds are sourced in the United States, with a few exceptions when the seed is difficult to source domestically. Whenever we do have to source outside of the US, we ensure our seeds are safe to grow, non-GMO varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.