Q: I am interested in growing cipollini onions. They’re the little flattened ones from Italy that look like little Vidalias. When should I try to plant seeds?

A: I’ve never grown them, but according to one source, cipollinis are “medium-sized flat onions that come in white, yellow, and red varieties. They start out sweet and at maturity combine a sublime creamy texture with the perfect balance of sweetness and pungency.” Sounds tasty! Plant seed now, one-half inch deep and three inches apart. Onion seedlings easily over-winter and begin rapid growth in spring. Fertilize regularly. When the leaves turn yellow next summer, bend them completely over, wait a few days and then dig your fresh ingredients for shish kebab.