Growing Onion

Allium cepa : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S                    
    P P                

(Best months for growing Onion in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 46°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 2 - 4 inches apart
  • Harvest in 25-34 weeks. Allow onions to dry before storing.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Lemon Balm, Borage, Carrots, Beets, Silverbeet, Lettuce, Amaranth
  • Avoid growing close to: Peas, Beans

Your comments and tips

12 Aug 21, Carol Rose (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I found Dixondale Farms to be a great help. I ordered my onion slips form them. I had never ordered onion slips before so I was a little nervous about the process. I wasn't able to plant them when they arrived but I cared for them as per instructions and only lost a few before I could get them into my newly made raised beds. I planted sometime in early June I think and they are about 3 weeks or so form being ready. I live on the Central Coast of California and these onions look great. As a pretty new organic gardener I love to share my successes. Ck out Hollis and Nancy's homestead on YouTube. It is so helpful!!
12 Feb 21, Rosie (Canada - Zone 5b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
How do you care for onion plants: weeding, cutting back,spooning,fertilizing,watering?
02 Mar 21, (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Start with good loose soil that has had some fertiliser, compost, manure put in it, don't over do it though. Water every day when small and then each 2 days when half grown. Keep weeded.
03 Feb 21, Sky Kell (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Perennial onion that multiplies for 7b zone
18 Dec 20, Sydney Thama (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
hello it is safe to plant onion around July and August?
21 Dec 20, Anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Go the onion page and check when to plant onions in your climate zone, or google and research about growing onions.
13 Oct 20, Kelly (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi there, I planted white onions in May, they have not yet yellowed and the stalks have not fallen over- we're having a lot of rain fall early on and I am afraid they will rot if I leave them in the ground while it rains so much. Can I harvest them before they have yellowed or will they still mature correctly despite the rain? Any tips or advice would be much appreciated Thanks
16 Oct 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
It says plant seed Feb Mar and you planted May, that is the problem. Check to see how big they are, if a good size pull out. You be the judge, keep an eye on them, if they look like going rotten out they come.
13 Oct 20, Liesl Mittan (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
We planted onions late in march , they are ready and some are flowering .They should dry in the ground , but we are having rain. What do I do . Take them out and dry them hanging or leave in the ground and hope for hot weather . Thanks
19 Oct 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Pull them out.
Showing 101 - 110 of 368 comments

Since you are having problems with your Texas Grano -- I would recommend going to an Egyptian walking onion (or other walking onion). Video abojut the onion can be found here: https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=walking+onions&mid=17F7CAB6E4A914745E4A17F7CAB6E4A914745E4A&FORM=VIRE Additionally: the walking onion originated from a cross between the Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum), and the common onion (Allium cepa). The Egyptian walking onion, Allium x proliferum, is a member of the allium family and a great addition to the perennial vegetable garden. Egyptian onions go by many names, including tree onions, topset (or topsetting) onions, and walking onions. The seeds are slow growing, and can take several years for them to grow and flower. That’s why people grow them mostly from established bulbs. Every part of the Egyptian walking onion is edible, including the bulb in the ground, the stems, the flower, and the aerial bulbils. There are different varieties -- some zones 3-9 others 3-10. I would select a 3-10 for your area -- additionally some types grow substantial bulbs under ground -- others have small underground bulbs -- so select your variety based on your need. There are white, brown and purple walking onions. There is also the RED CATAWISSA WALKING onion -- which is not classified as an Egyptian walker -- but is still a walking onion: this variety for its larger sized bulbs and topsets that are much larger than the typical walking onion. All parts of the plant are edible. Walking onions are a standard choice for permaculture gardens and food forests -- they are very low maintenance - and very reliable -- so a good choice for anyone having difficulty growing regular onions.

- Celeste Archer

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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