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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
10 Mar 14, GJX (USA - Zone 5a climate)
yes, this causes the bulb to get bigger
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Apr 12, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I must be very lucky! I ignored everything the onion pack said (like covering with seed raising mixture, etc) and planted the seeds right into the dirt. Rather than the seeds taking 21-28 days as the packet said, they came through in 10 and going really strong :) All the best :)
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Feb 12, greg (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Can u pls provide me informations on onion cultivation in my area
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Jan 12, Narelle (Australia - temperate climate)
How do you get onion seeds to germinate? I've tried with a few different seed packets, but no luck. Is it the soil? I'd love some information for optimum conditions for growing onions from seed.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Feb 12, Jimmy (Australia - temperate climate)
I raised seeds in seed propogating mix in small containers first. That way I can control watering and temperature better until they are strong enough to transplant. Have had almost 100% seed germination rate so far! Hope that helps.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Nov 11, wes (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
We grew white onoins & have just harvested & are now drying in the sun. How long should they be dried ? Is it better to leave the tops on or should they be cut off to speed drying? Regards,wes.
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Nov 11, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
can i plant brown onions now we are nearly at the end of spring
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Jul 11, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How do I plant a onion that has already started to shoot
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Jul 11, Karen (Australia - temperate climate)
with the green shoot just out of the ground - bulb covered with soil. Do not over water or you will have mush.
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Jun 11, arthur (Australia - temperate climate)
I find the best way to store onions pull them, leave them exposed on top of the ground for two days or until the are brown then platt them like they do in spain. Hang if possible from roof of a shed or such like. ( arthur the mad gardner).
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 321 - 330 of 368 comments
See comments for all plants

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

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.