Growing Onion

Allium cepa : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      S                
          T            

(Best months for growing Onion in Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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
  • Red onion
  • Young brown onion

Onions come in a range of colours and shapes and sizes. Brown - strong flavour and pungent. Usually good keepers for storage. White - milder but still flavoursome. Keep fairly well. Red - Mild, suitable to use raw in salads and sandwiches. The seedlings should be allowed to gain a bit of strength before planting out - usually 4 to 6 weeks will be enough. When they are big enough to handle, you can plant out. They start off looking like blades of grass.

They don't have to be in a greenhouse (though that would be ideal), any sheltered spot will do. The idea is to guard against rapid changes of temperature, especially at night.

Onions can be bought as young plants (sets or seedlings) from garden shops/nurseries to plant straight into garden beds. Choose your variety according to your climate and the time of year as some onions will grow better in the cooler months .

Onion bulbs should sit on the surface of the soil. Do not cover. They will take six to eight months to mature. Onions are ready when the tops start to dry and fall over. Pull them and leave to dry for a few days. Store in a cool, dry airy place. Use a net bag or make a string by weaving the tops together.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Onion

Brown onions roasted whole with other vegetables are delicious.
Red onions add colour to salads or stir-fry.

Your comments and tips

15 Apr 23, Mike (Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer climate)
Growing onions from seeds What kind should I grow? When? Can I start then before winter, or do I start the seeds in January indoors?
26 Apr 23, Erin (Canada - Zone 5b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
You need a long day onion, you can start seed ahead of time indoors, do not save seed packets, they're only good for a year.
19 Apr 23, (Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer climate)
Read the planting guide at the top of the page and plant the variety you want to eat.
14 Apr 23, CJ (Canada - Zone 5b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
CAN I GROW IN CONTAINERS AS I LIVE IN AN APARTMENT
05 Mar 23, Lori (Canada - zone 4a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
What onions grow best in zone 4a?
09 Jun 22, Michael Pellerin (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
I Live in Miramichi, NB Canada and looking to what growing zone I am in and what type of oignions grow better, short day, intermediate or long day , or what varieties are better for my zone Thank-you
23 Feb 23, Caroline (Canada - Zone 6a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
I believe we need long day onions here in Canada!
17 Jun 22, Anonymous (Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Go to the blue tab above and work out which zone you are. Pick what variety you want to grow.
12 Feb 21, Rosie (Canada - Zone 5b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
How do you care for onion plants: weeding, cutting back,spooning,fertilizing,watering?
02 Mar 21, (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Start with good loose soil that has had some fertiliser, compost, manure put in it, don't over do it though. Water every day when small and then each 2 days when half grown. Keep weeded.

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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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