The TX1015 Sweet Onion is the product of over a century of South Texas growing know-how—and decades of intentional breeding for mild flavor, strong performance, and market reliability. That work culminated in the release of the Texas 1015 in 1983, led by Texas A&M’s Dr. Leonard Pike.
Bermuda onion seed is planted near Cotulla, TX—considered one of the earliest successful commercial efforts with these mild, flatter onions in the U.S.
South Texas onions are shipped to Milwaukee, WI, and demand helps expand acreage.
South Texas plantings reach roughly 500 acres.
Shipments surpass 1,000+ carloads (including the famous “1,011” figure often cited in the region’s history).
Onion shipments grow dramatically, reflecting Texas’ expanding onion industry.
Bermuda onions (originally Granex onions) imported from Spain to Texas, influencing what becomes the Grano family line. Fun Fact: Texas was the first state in the US to grow flat onions.
The Texas onion breeding program ramps up, selecting Grano lines for earlier maturity and sweeter flavor.
The program expands through partnership with USDA.
Doctor Leonard Pike of Texas A&M introduces the Texas Early Grano / Grano 502, widely referenced as a foundational parent line in sweet onion breeding.
Breeding work leads to Granex types—varieties that later become closely associated with Vidalia-style sweet onions (which are an off shot of the Texas 1015).
USDA Marketing Order #959 (South Texas Onions) takes effect, supporting quality standards plus research/promotion.
Texas spring onion acreage reaches ~20,000+ acres in key seasons (USDA reports include an estimate of 23,500 acres for harvest in 1976).
After 10 years of work, Texas A&M’s Dr. Leonard Pike helps deliver the Texas 1015, nicknamed the “million-dollar baby.”
Vidalia production is defined by Georgia law; Vidalias are grown from Yellow Granex / Granex-parentage (and similar approved) varieties. Georgia later names the Vidalia onion its official state vegetable (1990).
Texas designates the Texas sweet onion the Official State Vegetable of Texas (HCR 148).
USDA-NIFA funds a multi-state initiative (including Texas) to advance mechanical harvesting systems for short-day onions, supporting the future of sweet onion production.
USDA continues oversight and administration of Marketing Order #959 through the South Texas Onion Committee (including committee nominations and governance).
