Growing Onion

Allium cepa : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

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

(Best months for growing Onion in South Africa - Summer rainfall regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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 8°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 5 - 10 cm 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

14 Dec 23, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Just give a watering 2-3 times a week depending on how hot it is.
29 Nov 23, Themba Peter (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have onions that need transplanting is it the right time, will appreciate the advice.
30 Nov 23, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
You could try but it does say Feb - April.
08 Sep 23, enie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
is there onion variety that you can grow around November in south africa
14 Sep 23, Anonymous (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Check the planting guide - Dec onwards.
20 Aug 23, Michael (Australia - temperate climate)
Can you please tell me the best varieties of onion to plant now. Live at Canowindra NSW Thanking you
06 Sep 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Which ever variety you prefer.
22 Jul 23, Joseph (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Is it okay to plant Texas grano onions in August and September. I am in mpumalanga, South Africa
20 Jun 23, Sue (New Zealand - temperate climate)
My onions got a rusty fungus on the last year how do I guard against this happening again. I grew the multiplying onions found them in the garden centre as Welsh Onions. They were great until they developed the fungus.
24 Jun 23, jim (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Copper copper copper I had same problem last year onions,garlic and leeks sometimes gardening is a pain but I still do it ??? Remember to use a sticker "sprayfix" by yates is one but most garden chemical people do similar it helps to break down the surface tension so the spray does not just run off do it before it appears and repeat it several times during the season only problem with it raining constantly it's hard to do right now. P.S. my mum used to grow welsh onions in the UK when I was a boy never saw enything like rust ?
Showing 21 - 30 of 371 comments

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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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