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

23 Oct 12, jean Parsons (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What is the best cultavar for picking and does it make a differance.
26 Dec 12, Ronel (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Looking for help, I am looking for seeds of the Egyptian Walking onion, also known as the Tree onion, Winter onion or Top onion. Please can anyone help.
06 Jan 13, liyungu mulikita (Canada - Zone 2b Sub-Arctic climate)
hi there,you people are doing a great job on lessons on how to grow onions.
17 Jan 13, solly (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
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?
29 Jan 13, Conradt (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I sow the onions in late January to early March, I prepare a patch in the vegetable garden for this. The stand where the onions will be transplanted to can be prepared in the mean time, If your soil is very heavy, sand can be worked in, as well as gracious amounts of organic fertilizer and ash (from your wood braai) This method give you time to ensure your bed is light and rich when your onions is ready to be transplanted around April. I use a clear plastic covering during coldest of winter months, just to keep the frost off. Hope this help.
08 Feb 13, Jase (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Onions are immortal and can be re-planted after harvest. When cutting for food, chop <1.5 cm from the roots for re-planting. Water well and the onion will bulb into a few new plants. Separate the bulbs and you will have a new batch of onions.
01 Mar 13, darrell (Australia - temperate climate)
where could i buy onion sets in australia?
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
03 Sep 13, Maurice (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Some of the perennial onions would probably do well for you, they are far easier and seem to be hardier than the regular kinds. I bought tree onions, everlasting onions and potato onions from mudflower blogspot.
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.
Showing 51 - 60 of 358 comments

yes, this causes the bulb to get bigger

- GJX

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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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