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

08 Sep 08, Ciara (Australia - temperate climate)
I just have a balcony so I'm using pots to grow a few things, I was wondering how deep a pot needs to be for onions.
07 Sep 08, Jaci (Australia - temperate climate)
I am only just beginning to grow onion this year. I have heard that onion seed doesn't have a long life. Can you begin the seed's life by chitting? When harvested, how long does it need to be hung and dried for before it can be eaten. Also, how long will it keep for (if hung in the dark and kept dry)?
Showing 191 - 192 of 192 comments

I took a kitchen scrap from a yellow onion and now I have roots what kind of soil should I plant this in for indoor in January please and thank you

- Sharon Burke

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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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