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 8°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 5 - 10 cm 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
19 Feb 16, Nico (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
What variety will be ideal for South Africa, semi arid I believe you are not able to plant Australian Brown south of a certain latitude?
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17 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Texas Grano
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08 Jun 15, hope william (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
looking for texas grano and hybrid onions 5522 seeds.
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10 Nov 14, Donita (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi, when onion leaves start making a flowers, what does that mean? Thanks
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08 Sep 14, Freckson Tineyi Ropi (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I want to buy king onion seed where can l buy it. Am in Limpopo Province
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30 Mar 14, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi, Where can I buy onion sets / bulbs for home growing ?
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13 Feb 14, Hlumelo Somniso (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
i am at Alice (eastern cape ) what is the right time to plant australian brown.
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13 Sep 13, Heather Sterling (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Having grown (and watered) white onions through this past Winter, I now find that the onions are going to seed before the bulb has fully grown out. It would be appreciated if you could give advice as to where I went wrong.
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23 Oct 16, Chester Bosch (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have the same experience. Can somebody respond please.
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20 Aug 13, Rui (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Sometimes my bought onions in the kitchen start growing leaves. Can I plant these onions, and if so, will it spread and will other onions grow from it, and how should I plant them? Or can you only grow onions from seeds? Thank you.
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Go the onion page and check when to plant onions in your climate zone, or google and research about growing onions.

- Anon

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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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