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

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.
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
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,
01 Aug 13, Marietjie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I sow onions, texas grano, now? Living in Potchefstroom.
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
05 Jul 13, ANTONIO (Australia - temperate climate)
what to fertilise onions , can i use npk super potash chicken manure
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.
15 May 13, Dave Coats (Australia - arid climate)
Garden bed Chillies? I live in one of the harshest areas of South Aust. Temps vary from -5 to high 40's. As a child here I saw a couple of Europeans growing them well. Would love some help. Cheers Dave.
07 Mar 13, adam (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi. to answer your question, any onions would be fine in Brisbane this time of year. Reds are usually sweeter, so don't store as well. The good storing onions are the "creamgold" brown onions. Reds will only usually store for a couple of months. But you won't really get any to eat until september or october if you plant now. Onions are a long season crop.
05 Mar 13, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
what type onion would I be best to grow in brisbane for march would the reds be best for this time of the year
Showing 301 - 310 of 368 comments

Need to plant brown onions now, is it the right time? How much water do onions need? How much fertiliser and when do i put it?

- solly

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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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