Welsh Onion Ishikura Long white

Growing Welsh Onion 'Ishikura Long White' involves specific care to cultivate these delicious and hardy onions. Here's a guide on how to grow Welsh Onion 'Ishikura Long White':

**1. Planting Time:**
- Welsh onions are a perennial crop, and 'Ishikura Long White' can be grown from seeds or transplants. Start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost, or sow them directly in the garden in early spring or late summer.

**2. Soil Preparation:**
- Choose well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to provide essential nutrients.

**3. Sowing Seeds or Transplanting:**
- If starting from seeds, sow them indoors or directly in the garden. Transplant seedlings when they are a few inches tall, or space the seeds about 1 inch apart if sowing directly. Thin seedlings to the desired spacing.

**4. Sunlight:**
- Welsh onions prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

**5. Spacing:**
- Plant Welsh onions about 6-12 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. The exact spacing may vary based on your specific growing conditions.

**6. Watering:**
- Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Adequate watering helps promote healthy growth and flavor.

**7. Fertilizing:**
- Welsh onions are not heavy feeders, but they benefit from a balanced fertilizer. Apply a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring.

**8. Mulching:**
- Mulching around the onions helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a consistent soil temperature.

**9. Harvesting:**
- 'Ishikura Long White' Welsh onions can be harvested when the green tops are about 12-18 inches tall. You can harvest them earlier for smaller onions or let them grow for larger ones. Use scissors to cut the leaves as needed, leaving the base to regrow.

**10. Companion Planting:**
- Welsh onions are good companions for many garden plants. They are believed to repel pests that affect carrots and other crops. Consider planting them near tomatoes, carrots, or cabbage.

**11. Pests and Diseases:**
- Welsh onions are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, keep an eye out for onion thrips or onion maggots. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used if necessary.

**12. Storage:**
- Welsh onions are best used fresh, but if you have an abundance, you can freeze chopped green tops or dehydrate them for later use. Store in a cool, dry place.

Always follow the specific guidelines on the seed packet for 'Ishikura Long White' Welsh onions, as there may be unique considerations for this particular variety. Adjust care based on your specific growing conditions and local climate.