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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
11 Apr 17, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Onions are like daffodils and other bulbs in that they will grow extra bulbs as a form of multiplication. This can be caused by planting at the wrong time of the year for the variety. Check this on the seed packet and plant accordingly. Sadly nurseries sometimes sell 'out of season 'plants that look good. Tomatoes are a classic example with many plants sold after a few sunny days in late Winter or Early Spring. Trust this helps.
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Jan 17, john timea (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hello my name is john timea .I am from Papua new guinea highlands and iam interested in growing blub brown onion.please advise what variety will I grow.thank you. john timea.
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Jan 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
It would take a lot of time to cover onion grwing in New Guinea. I suggest you Google 'onion growing in New Guinea as there is some quite good articles. Bulb onions grow well in the lowland areas but fungal problems are a consideratio everywhere. These articles may give you some clues as to what varieties to grow. Trust this helps.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 May 16, Colin Campbell (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I planted onion seedlings 2 months ago. They all look healthy but I am concerned at the length of the tops--up to 30cm--which is causing some lifting of the bulb. Should I trim the tops back or leave as is? Your advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Nov 11, wes (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
We grew white onoins & have just harvested & are now drying in the sun. How long should they be dried ? Is it better to leave the tops on or should they be cut off to speed drying? Regards,wes.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 31 - 35 of 35 comments
See comments for all plants

for a better onion do you fold over the tops of the onions when they get tall

- peggy

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 GardenGrow 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 GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | 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. 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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.