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

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.
02 Jun 22, Rick Nuffer (USA - Zone 7a climate)
do walla walla onions grow well in Utah?
18 Apr 22, Graham Bower (Australia - temperate climate)
I have been growing butternut pumpkin and trombone zucchini in close proximity and saving seed for following season. I saved seed from each for this seasons planting. This year my produce appears to be a cross of thes two . Is this possible? Can these cross pollinate? The fruit has been huge and eats very much like a quality butternut.
21 Apr 22, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
I believe they do cross pollinate.
26 Mar 22, Heidi (Australia - temperate climate)
I have some onion sets left over from last year and want to plant them. All the articles I have seen thus far talk about growing them from seed/seedlings. Ours is a temperate climate, so when is a good time to plant them?
19 Apr 22, Graham (Australia - temperate climate)
Sets . Another word for seedlings. If they are still fresh and viable they should be OK. In saying that, I am surprised that they are still OK from last year. (Gardenate : 'sets' are usually small onion bulbs with brown, papery skin)
29 Mar 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Check the top of the onion page.
21 Feb 22, Narelle (Australia - tropical climate)
Is Mackay too hot to grow onions? What's the best variety for up here? Thanks
22 Feb 22, (Australia - tropical climate)
Any variety.
22 Feb 22, Anonymous of Bundaberg (Australia - tropical climate)
Go to onion, set the climate zone to tropical and it will show you in the calendar guide. They take a long time to grow and are generally cheapish in shops.
Showing 61 - 70 of 371 comments

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

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.