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

17 Jan 18, Joe Branco (Australia - temperate climate)
Why are brown and white onions sown at different times
04 Dec 17, andrew heaps (New Zealand - temperate climate)
hi,my onions have thick stalks just above the onions them selves.is that normal?and if not what is the remedy?
29 Oct 18, hamish (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
more than likely planted a little too deeply at start warm regards hamish
27 Nov 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello and thanks for your time I would like to grow red onions i live in the wrstarn suburbs of Adelaide when do I plant seed thank you .
01 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Read what it says above - it tells you.
14 Nov 17, rob (Australia - temperate climate)
onions are going to seed . Should I pick now or wait till they brown
20 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
In future pick before they seed or when you first see them starting to seed.
15 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Pick them and then leave in the sun for a few days to brown off.
24 Oct 17, Danie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Why shouldn't onions be planted close to beans and peas?
17 Oct 17, Danie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Do I have to roll the leaves of the plants to enhance bulb forming at this time before they are harvested to prevent new growth?
Showing 181 - 190 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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