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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03 Sep 13, Maurice (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Some of the perennial onions would probably do well for you, they are far easier and seem to be hardier than the regular kinds. I bought tree onions, everlasting onions and potato onions from mudflower blogspot.
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01 Mar 13, darrell (Australia - temperate climate)
where could i buy onion sets in australia?
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08 Feb 13, Jase (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Onions are immortal and can be re-planted after harvest. When cutting for food, chop <1.5 cm from the roots for re-planting. Water well and the onion will bulb into a few new plants. Separate the bulbs and you will have a new batch of onions.
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17 Jan 13, solly (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Need to plant brown onions now, is it the right time? How much water do onions need? How much fertiliser and when do i put it?
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29 Jan 13, Conradt (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I sow the onions in late January to early March, I prepare a patch in the vegetable garden for this. The stand where the onions will be transplanted to can be prepared in the mean time, If your soil is very heavy, sand can be worked in, as well as gracious amounts of organic fertilizer and ash (from your wood braai) This method give you time to ensure your bed is light and rich when your onions is ready to be transplanted around April. I use a clear plastic covering during coldest of winter months, just to keep the frost off. Hope this help.
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06 Jan 13, liyungu mulikita (Canada - Zone 2b Sub-Arctic climate)
hi there,you people are doing a great job on lessons on how to grow onions.
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26 Dec 12, Ronel (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Looking for help, I am looking for seeds of the Egyptian Walking onion, also known as the Tree onion, Winter onion or Top onion. Please can anyone help.
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23 Oct 12, jean Parsons (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What is the best cultavar for picking and does it make a differance.
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04 Aug 12, Kevin (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
No. The tops need to fall themselves ideally when they are ready. If the stem is thick and appears to be forming a seed head, then pull them out and eat first.
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05 Jun 12, peggy (USA - Zone 5a climate)
for a better onion do you fold over the tops of the onions when they get tall
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Showing 311 - 320 of 368 comments
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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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