California is the state with the largest production of onions in the country. In 2021, California produced 1.9 billion pounds of onions, accounting for 27% of the nation’s total output. Collectively, the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, and parts of Idaho), produces the bulk of the nation’s onions, but as a single state, California holds the top spot.
But why are so many onions grown in California? At Gills, our partnership with Rio Farms allows us to grow high-quality onions from seed at several different locations throughout the state.
Find out more about these growing locations, and why California is such a great state for onions.
Gills Growing Locations: Three Climates in One State
One of the reasons California is such a prime location for onion farming is the variety of weather conditions across the state.
“One of our advantages is that we have so many different climates throughout the state, allowing us to grow different varieties,” said Jose Cardona, Operations Manager for Rio Farms’ Onion Department. “We don’t have to cross into another state because California has it all.”
Gills’ three major locations feature very different daily temperatures and sunlight hours that favor different types of onion growth:
- Imperial County
First, Gills plants short-day onions in the southernmost part of California in Imperial County. Short-day onions require 10 to 12 hours of daylight, are generally sweeter in taste, and are processed for use right after harvest. Imperial County sits right next to the border of Mexico and is known for high temperatures in a hot desert climate.
- Kern County
The second major farming location is Bakersfield in Kern County. This location is unique because all three varieties of onions can be grown here: short-day onions, intermediate onions, and long-day onions.
Intermediate-day onions are larger than short-day onions and can be placed in storage for a moderate amount of time. Intermediate-day onions require 12 to 14 hours of daylight.
Long-day onions are hardy and bred for storage. These onions have the tightest rings and require the most amount of daylight for growth — 14 to 16 hours.
- Monterey County
Last but not least, the third major growing region for Gills Onions is in King City. The majority of our long-day onions are grown here, and placed into storage after harvesting and processing.
Monterey County features a unique mild Mediterranean climate, which is ideal for giving these onions the 14 to 16 hours of daylight they need during the spring and summer months.
How Seeds and Soil Make a Big Difference in California Growing
While some onion growers use the transplant method (seedlings start in a controlled environment before transferring them to large fields), Gills Onions all start from the seed.
Because the seed you start with can determine so much of the end result, we always look for the best of the best.
Onion seed producers develop new varieties with intensive research and pass on the most promising seeds for growth trials in California.
“We trial new seed varieties in small plots and evaluate their growth,” said Cardona. “It’s a symbiotic relationship. We’re always trying to elevate our program, and the seed producers want to find out how their product is performing.”
Gills always looks for seed trials that fit the characteristics we’re looking for in an onion: volume of output, storability, shape, and flavor.
Once the best seeds have been chosen, we focus our attention on the soil. California soil is great on its own for growing onions, but we know that building up soil health produces even stronger results.
“Rather than pumping our products full of things like nitrate and potassium for instant results, we take the slow approach of focusing on the soil,” said Cardona. “We may get slower results, but in the end the size and quality are unmatched.”
See Why California Onions Taste Better
Growing onions in California is our specialty, but none of it would be possible without our founder, and California native, Steve Gill. “Steve is always able to see the bigger picture,” said Cardona. “He knows what the output should be, and he strategizes for great outcomes.”
See for yourself why California onions are number one in the U.S., and give Gills a try today.
Ready to try onions grown “The Gills Way?” Contact our sales department to learn more.