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 Apr 21, Anon (USA - Zone 4b climate)
Put the question into google and it will explain how to do it.
28 Feb 21, Barbara Esparza (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Are there any onion sets that I can plant in Texas zone 9b that are more heat resistant?
02 Mar 21, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Plants generally have a temperature range that they grow in. That is why most crops are seasonal in a district. Try planting out of that range and you could fail.
16 Feb 21, Judith c Greenleaf (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Can I plant onion sets in February or march? what sweet onion varieties do you suggest for No. Ca. marine zone 9B? Thank you.
17 Feb 21, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Consult the planting guide calendar and the footnote at the bottom of the page. If it says plant April and you plant Feb, the seeds/sets probably won't germinate/survive . There are reasons why it says to wait until April but take local conditions into considerations.
12 Aug 21, Carol Rose (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I found Dixondale Farms to be a great help. I ordered my onion slips form them. I had never ordered onion slips before so I was a little nervous about the process. I wasn't able to plant them when they arrived but I cared for them as per instructions and only lost a few before I could get them into my newly made raised beds. I planted sometime in early June I think and they are about 3 weeks or so form being ready. I live on the Central Coast of California and these onions look great. As a pretty new organic gardener I love to share my successes. Ck out Hollis and Nancy's homestead on YouTube. It is so helpful!!
03 Feb 21, Sky Kell (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Perennial onion that multiplies for 7b zone
01 Apr 20, Kaz (USA - Zone 11b climate)
Aloha What onions & tomatoes grow well in zone 11 Hawaii Ohau north shore
25 Nov 19, William Rowe (USA - Zone 9b climate)
What variety of onion do you suggest for my region. 9b Ocala,Fl
02 May 18, TJ Russell-Zapata (USA - Zone 7a climate)
I am moving to zone 7a from Texas. Do I still over winter garlic and onions?
Showing 31 - 40 of 44 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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