Growing Onion

Allium cepa : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

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

(Best months for growing Onion in New Zealand - cool/mountain 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

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29 Oct 18, hamish (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
more than likely planted a little too deeply at start warm regards hamish
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27 Nov 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello and thanks for your time I would like to grow red onions i live in the wrstarn suburbs of Adelaide when do I plant seed thank you .
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01 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Read what it says above - it tells you.
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14 Nov 17, rob (Australia - temperate climate)
onions are going to seed . Should I pick now or wait till they brown
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20 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
In future pick before they seed or when you first see them starting to seed.
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15 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Pick them and then leave in the sun for a few days to brown off.
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24 Oct 17, Danie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Why shouldn't onions be planted close to beans and peas?
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17 Oct 17, Danie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Do I have to roll the leaves of the plants to enhance bulb forming at this time before they are harvested to prevent new growth?
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04 Oct 17, Vincent Mulenga (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I'm in Zambia can I grow onion rainfall whan should I plant my ?
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20 Oct 17, Danie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would plant onions (seedlings) in March and harvest in October/November or plant seed in trays during February.
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Showing 181 - 190 of 366 comments
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Hi there Im a development Horticulturalist with Fairfield city council, I just wanted to find out what types of onion are transplanted from seedling. The reson i ask is i have only ever heard of direct sowing of onion seed and transplanting is very unsucessfull (especially in your common spanish, white and brown varieties).

- Matt

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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. GardenGrow 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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