Feb 2, 2026Crookham launches 2 early-season Vidalia onion varieties with disease-tolerance
Crookham Company is introducing two new Georgia Vidalia onion varieties for the 2026 growing season: Augusta (4022) and Athens (4021).
Crookham said both varieties are designed to mature at the beginning of the harvest window, offering growers early-season production.
According to the company, the two onions demonstrated consistent emergence and disease tolerance in field evaluations and maintained performance under a range of growing conditions. Crookham representatives said the varieties were developed with stress tolerance, including strong root systems, tight necks and foliage suited to pivot irrigation.
More info on the new varieties:
- Athens produces a deeper bulb shape that the company reports may contribute to higher yields with similar input levels. It has shown tolerance to bolting, fusarium and pink root in trials. The variety also features a vigorous root system and dark, waxy foliage, traits associated with durability under irrigation and variable weather.
- Augusta is described as a flatter, traditional Vidalia-type onion. It has a strong top and root structure intended to support plant stability and performance during early-season conditions. The bulbs are uniform in size and shape and align with typical Vidalia market standards.
Crookham said additional performance data will be released as research and development trials continue.
The new varieties will be available to Georgia Vidalia growers for the early harvest slot this season.
Watch this video with Lyndon Johnson from Crookham discussing the two new varieties on The Onion Podcast:
