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 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 South Africa | for all countries
04 Dec 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Google how to grow them and read the notes here.
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27 Oct 22, Which onion variety do I need to plant in December (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would like to plant onion during the rain season, please advise me on which variety to plant.December - April
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27 Sep 22, DAVE MILES (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Australian Brown are starting to have seed stems, should I cut them off or allowed to seed
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29 Sep 22, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
A plant going to seed is finishing it's life and producing seed to continue the cycle of life - new plants. A plant then puts most of it's energy into producing the seeds. Time to harvest now or real soon.
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07 Sep 22, Don Cropper (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I am growing Australian Browns which I grew inside green house and planted out.They are making flower stems but the onions aren't ready to pull out yet.Can I leave the flowers to grow or must I cut them off.
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13 Sep 22, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Sounds like your soil wasn't fertile enough to produce an onion bulb. The plant is going to seed already.
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07 May 21, Pablo checkman (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
How many month it takes Africans best onion
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10 May 21, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Read the notes here, www.gardenate.com/plant/Onion?zone=22
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16 Mar 21, David (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I just transplanted some onion seedlings into a garden bed and it is March. Will they develop normally despite being planted early?
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17 Mar 21, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
You should be ok. Good idea to check planting times before buying/planting seeds or seedlings. You also have to consider your local conditions.
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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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