Growing onions is simple: If you can poke a hole into the ground, you can grow an onion from a little plant. Most of our onion varieties are sold as little seedlings in bare-root bundles; each plant will start growing within days after you plant. If you can’t plant your onions right away, remove their bindings and place them in a bucket with 2 inches of moist soil in the bottom. Keep them in a cool, bright place but out of direct sun until you are ready to plant. A sunny basement is ideal. Onions are a must-grow vegetable! You can grow a substantial onion harvest in a small area, store it for many months, and enjoy its many culinary uses. However, some tricks of the trade make the difference between a great crop and a disappointing one.
Key Takeaways
- Growing onions is a simple process that can yield a bountiful harvest.
- Onions are versatile and can be stored for many months after harvesting.
- Understanding onion plant care and onion varieties is crucial for success.
- Proper onion planting guide and onion fertilizing are essential for optimal growth.
- Vigilance against onion pests and diseases can help ensure a healthy crop.
Introduction to Onion Plant Care
The common onion is a biennial bulb with hollow, tubular, blue-green leaves. A shallow network of roots extend from the bottom of the bulb, and the bulb might push partially above ground as the plant matures. In order to thrive, onions need lots of sunlight, well-draining soil, and nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Note that onions are toxic to pets due to their chemical compounds, so be mindful about where you plant them. Onions are a staple crop in many home gardens, providing a versatile and flavorful ingredient for a wide range of dishes. They are relatively easy to grow and can produce a bountiful harvest in a small space.
Importance of Onions in the Garden
Onions are a crucial component of many home gardens, offering a flavorful and versatile ingredient for a wide variety of dishes. They are relatively easy to grow and can yield a substantial harvest in a small area, making them an excellent choice for gardeners with limited space. Additionally, onions store well, allowing gardeners to enjoy their harvest for many months after the growing season.
Varieties of Onions to Grow
There are three main categories of onions you can choose from: short-day onions, long-day onions, and day-neutral onions. Short-day onions begin forming bulbs when there are 10 to 12 hours of daylight each day, making them well-suited for southern regions. Long-day onions require 14 to 16 hours of daylight to start bulbing, and are a good choice for northern climates. Day-neutral onions begin to form bulbs when they experience 12 to 14 hours of daylight, making them adaptable to many growing regions. Choosing the right onion variety for your climate is essential for a successful harvest.
Soil Preparation and Planting
Plant onions in the spring when the ground thaws and the temperature remains above 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Onion seeds are usually started indoors approximately six weeks prior to the outdoor onion varieties being around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re starting with seedlings, plant them outside when the soil temperature is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit as well. It’s also possible to plant in the fall in warmer climates. The onions will stay dormant over the winter and then continue to grow in the spring.
Preparing the Soil for Onion Planting
Choose a sunny spot with loose soil. Compacted or rocky soil will hinder onion harvest. Also, avoid planting where other Allium species have been in the past few years. Pests and diseases that target the plants can linger in the soil. Onions need full sun—at least six hours of direct sunlight per day—to grow properly. The soil needs to be extremely well-drained—even sandy—and it should have lots of organic matter. A loose loam will work well. And a soil pH that hovers around neutral to slightly acidic is best. Improve the soil by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich onion fertilizing.
Planting Onion Sets or Seeds
To plant onion sets, press them into the soil so just the top is visible. Space the sets roughly 4 inches apart, and space rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Once the sets are in the ground, leave them alone; do not hill soil up around them. The sets are supposed to peek out of the ground at all times. Plant seeds only about 1/4 inch deep. And thin seedlings to around 4 inches apart also in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart.
Spacing and Depth Requirements
Space onion plants 6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. It’s critical that onions aren’t planted too deep, as this can affect bulb development. Bury onion sets 2 to 6 inches apart, gently pressing them 1 to 2 inches deep into loose soil. Set the bulbs with the point end up. Don’t bury them more than 2 inches under the soil.
Onion Plant Care: Grow Flavorful Onions in Your Garden
Sunlight Requirements
Onions need full sun—at least six hours of direct sunlight per day—to grow properly. With onions, the more sunlight the better. A sunny spot with loose soil and a neutral pH are best for growing onions.
Watering Needs
Onion roots are shallow and not very efficient at taking up moisture, so they need a steady supply of water to grow without interruption. Although they actually recover well from drought and start growing again when watered, it is best to keep the soil consistently moist until the bulbs enlarge. About 1 inch of water per square foot per week, including rainwater, is sufficient. If you want sweeter onions, water them more often.
Fertilizing for Optimal Growth
Onions are fairly heavy feeders. Fertilize them every few weeks with a high-nitrogen fertilizer to support leaf growth, which will produce big bulbs. For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions. Once the soil begins to crack around where the bulb is forming, the foliage growing cycle is complete and no further application of onion fertilizing is required.
Onion Varieties and Planting Zones
Onions come in a variety of types, each suited to specific growing conditions and climates. Understanding the different onion varieties and their planting requirements is key to ensuring a successful onion harvest.
Short-Day Onion Varieties
Short-day onions will begin forming bulbs when there are 10 to 12 hours of daylight each day. They work well in southern regions where summer daylight is comparatively short. Some common short-day onions include ‘Southern Belle’, ‘White Bermuda’, ‘Granex’, and ‘Cipollini’.
Long-Day Onion Varieties
Long-day onions begin forming bulbs when there are 14 to 16 hours of daylight per day. They are good for northern climates where the summer days are relatively long. Some recommended long-day onions include ‘Walla Walla’, ‘Ring Master’, ‘Red Zeppelin’, ‘Yellow Sweet Spanish’, ‘Italian Red Torpedo’, and ‘Redwing’.
Day-Neutral Onion Varieties
Day-neutral onions begin to form bulbs when they experience 12 to 14 hours of daylight each day. They are good for gardeners in the central U.S. but will produce well in most regions. Good varieties include ‘Red Amposta’, ‘Early Yellow Globe’, ‘Cabernet’, and ‘Superstar’.
Pest and Disease Management
As onions leaves expand, they may be found by tiny black onion thrips, which suck sap from onion leaves. These are hard to see because they hide down in the folds and neck of the leaves. Also be on the lookout for aphids. Finally, weak plants that slowly wilt may be infested with onion root maggots, the larvae of a common fly.
During wet conditions, onions can develop stem or bulb rot. Avoid rot by making sure there is good soil drainage and air circulation. Onions can also be affected by splitting if the soil is allowed to remain dry while the bulbs are forming.
Organic Pest Control Methods
To deter thrips, intercrop onions with tomatoes or carrots in closely alternating rows. Contact your regional Extension agency for details on how to control common onion pests and diseases using organic methods.
Harvesting and Storage
You can harvest young onions just a few weeks after planting if you want to use them as “spring onions” or scallions. For full-sized onion harvest, let onions grow and mature. They are ready to harvest when the bulbs are big and the tops begin to turn yellow and fall over.
Pull any onions that send up flower stalks, as this means the bulbs have stopped growing and will not store well. Onion harvest by late summer in dry weather. Loosen the soil around the bulbs to encourage drying. Handle the onions carefully, as the slightest bruise will encourage rot.
Curing and Storing Onions
After harvesting, set onions on dry ground for a few days to cure, weather permitting, or in a protected place such as a garage or barn. Once cured, store onions in a mesh bag or nylon stocking; spread up to two layers deep in a box; or braid and hang them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. The ideal temperature range for onion storage is 40 to 60°F. Do not store in a refrigerator, as conditions will be too damp.
Companion Planting and Crop Rotation
Besides growing onions from seeds and sets, you can also propagate them from scraps. This is a great way to onion plant care and get more out of what would’ve been waste. The best time to start this process is in the early spring. Onions generally don’t require pruning, but be sure to remove any damaged leaves promptly.
Practice onion companion planting and onion plant care by rotating onions to a different part of the garden each season. Don’t plant them in the same location year after year, as this can encourage the spread of diseases that affect the crop. Rotating onions helps prevent the buildup of pests and diseases in the soil.
Benefits of Companion Planting
Companion planting with onions can provide several benefits for your garden. Onions are known to deter many common pests, making them a valuable addition to your onion plant care strategy. By interspersing onions with other vegetables, you can create a natural pest control system that helps protect your entire garden.
Crop Rotation for Onions
Crop rotation is an essential aspect of onion plant care. By moving your onion patch to a different location each year, you can disrupt the life cycles of pests and diseases that may have accumulated in the soil. This helps prevent the buildup of harmful organisms and ensures the long-term health and productivity of your onion crop.
Conclusion
Onions are a versatile and rewarding crop to grow in the home garden. By understanding the specific needs of onion plants, gardeners can cultivate a bountiful harvest of flavorful, storage-friendly bulbs. From selecting the right varieties for your climate to properly caring for the plants through harvest and curing, following these comprehensive onion growing guidelines will help ensure a successful onion crop season after season.
With the right growing conditions, onions can thrive and provide a reliable source of culinary versatility. By mastering the techniques outlined in this article, home gardeners can look forward to a robust onion harvest that will add depth and flavor to a wide range of dishes. Whether you prefer the pungent bite of a yellow onion or the subtle sweetness of a red variety, growing your own onions can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
By incorporating onions into your home garden, you’ll not only enjoy their culinary benefits but also the satisfaction of nurturing a productive and self-sufficient crop. With a little care and attention, your onion patch can become a reliable and valuable asset in your backyard oasis. Embrace the joy of growing your own onions and savor the flavorful rewards of your hard work.