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

22 Jan 16, Heidi (Australia - temperate climate)
I have several onions that are sprouting. Can I plant them now? Our temperatures are very high in summer so they might not survive, but they won't keep until autumn.
09 Oct 15, graham paul (Australia - temperate climate)
how do you grow pickling onions I have sown brown onions, regards graham
02 Oct 15, Fred Spiegel (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the diference between a onion and a salad onion
08 Jun 15, hope william (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
looking for texas grano and hybrid onions 5522 seeds.
23 Apr 15, mark (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
what is the best type of onions to grow around coastial areas ie Brisbane Cleveland area
09 Feb 15, Clifford Foy (USA - Zone 12b climate)
two questions. Which variety of onions and garlic are best for growth in Puerto Rico. were can I buy them and expect to get them to Puerto Rico. Many say they are not to be shipped to Puerto Rico(price for living in the colony). Thanks, C.Foy
28 Nov 20, Sandra Garcia (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Try Baker Creek; I get all my seeds there, I also use Trade Winds Fruit, Baker Creek has videos and they tell you the temperature that the plant can grow in, but you need to research each seed type to see what weather it grows well in. Read the reviews for the plants to see what others say about it. You can definitely grow everything all year round! Good luck
28 Dec 14, Jan Bruinsma (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have 2 onions that have sprouted can I plant them? What can I plant at this time of the year? I am just starting and do not know much. Any help would be appreciated.
10 Nov 14, Donita (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi, when onion leaves start making a flowers, what does that mean? Thanks
14 Oct 14, Ralph (Australia - temperate climate)
I put a whole red onion into my "garden" about 2mths ago. Now have 5 long stems with what look like flower buds and grass like foliage. Do I separate the stems and replant? Any advice greatly appreciated.
Showing 261 - 270 of 368 comments

I have the same issue as Kate. My onions are looking great, getting bulbs. I don't want to wait too late in case they start bolting. But I don't know when to harvest them. Or to bend the stems over or just pull them, which is what I've done before. They still have thick stems.

- Annie

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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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