The ALBA onion variety is a high-yielding perennial herbaceous bulbous plant with round bulbs weighing from 90 to 200 grams, depending on the cultivation method. The bulbs are covered with papery dry scales that can be gray or brown, while the fleshy part has a white color with a yellowish tint. The leaves are narrow, semi-cylindrical, and ribbed, while the scape reaches a height of up to 40 cm, topped with a loose umbel of small white bell-shaped flowers and bright yellow anthers. Flowering occurs in July, making the variety attractive not only for cultivation but also for decorative use in rock gardens and borders. The ALBA variety is characterized by early maturity and high marketable yield, reaching 176-236 centners per hectare. The onion has a sharp taste that adds piquancy to any dishes. For planting, it is recommended to use sets planted as early as possible in spring, at a depth of 3-5 cm, with a distance between plants of 5-10 cm and between rows of 30 cm. Care for the plant includes regular weeding, watering, and fertilization, with watering stopped one month before harvest. Harvesting is carried out at the end of July – beginning of August, when the onion neck becomes soft and the leaves begin to droop. For storage, ALBA variety bulbs must be thoroughly dried and cleaned, then stored in a dry and dark place at a temperature of 1-3°C, which prevents sprouting. At higher temperatures, the onion begins to sprout, especially the sets. To maintain quality, sets are recommended to be stored in a cardboard box in a warm and dry room, avoiding excessive humidity. Thanks to its resistance to bolting and high storability, the ALBA variety is suitable for both annual and biennial cultivation, providing a stable and high-quality harvest.
