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

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17 Jan 18, Joe Branco (Australia - temperate climate)
Why are brown and white onions sown at different times
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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?
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29 Oct 18, hamish (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
more than likely planted a little too deeply at start warm regards hamish
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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 .
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01 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Read what it says above - it tells you.
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14 Nov 17, rob (Australia - temperate climate)
onions are going to seed . Should I pick now or wait till they brown
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20 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
In future pick before they seed or when you first see them starting to seed.
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15 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Pick them and then leave in the sun for a few days to brown off.
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24 Oct 17, Danie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Why shouldn't onions be planted close to beans and peas?
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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?
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Showing 191 - 200 of 378 comments
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I took a look at the I'iotoi onion on google, the photo of them is the closest /the same to what I grow. I have always called them shallots and so did my mother. I/we have been growing them for nearly 60 years. Keep bulbs from one year to the next to replant. The only problem is I live in Australia, near Bundaberg Qld. A lot of people call different things shallots. If you are unable to obtain any in NZ you could ring your agric department and see if I could send some to you. Ring up some of the seed selling companies in NZ to see if they have them.

- Mike

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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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