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

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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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14 Feb 14, Lynette (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
in my experience onions, once they start to show leaves in your vegetable rack will not grow in the garden. There are two things you can do - use them immediately in cooking, or put the sprouted bulb over a bottle of water and proceed as you would with an avocado pip: do not let the bulb touch the water. The green leaves can be used in salads in the same way as you would spring onions.
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19 Aug 13, Aldo (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi all, I dont have a lot garden space and was wondering if it is possible to plant them in containers? Regards
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20 Aug 13, JIM (Australia - temperate climate)
hi I grow spring onions in a foam box & have never had them grow better don't pull them out just cut off the leavses they will replentish themselves for years & no trouble with snails or grubs,
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01 Aug 13, Marietjie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I sow onions, texas grano, now? Living in Potchefstroom.
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26 Jul 13, Kathi Thomas (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I planted out gladalan onions and they are near my snow peas that are flourishing. It says not to plant near peas so (at the risk of sounding silly) does this include snow peas. I am in the shoalhaven area, Nowra
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05 Jul 13, ANTONIO (Australia - temperate climate)
what to fertilise onions , can i use npk super potash chicken manure
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23 Jun 13, Ann Bye (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have onions that are starting to sprout. Can I plant them now or is it too early. Live in Gauteng so still a lot of frost.
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two questions. Which variety of onions and garlic are best for growth in Puerto Rico. were can I buy them and expect to get them to Puerto Rico. Many say they are not to be shipped to Puerto Rico(price for living in the colony). Thanks, C.Foy

- Clifford Foy

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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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