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 8°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 5 - 10 cm 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
10 May 21, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Read the notes here, www.gardenate.com/plant/Onion?zone=22
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02 May 21, Michele (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
I seem to have gotten white rot/fungus tha affects most onion varieties except spring onions- they will get it but very late on...does anyone know of a vigorous type of ordinary brown or red onion that might stave it off until I can harvest? Thanks.
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10 May 21, Tony (New Zealand - temperate climate)
try spraying regularly with copper, also good for rust.
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06 May 21, Anonymous (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Ring your local agricultural or agric company department about the fungus.
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06 Apr 21, Duke Rick (USA - Zone 8b climate)
What is the best time to plant Maui onion seeds in my zone?
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05 Jan 22, don (USA - Zone 10b climate)
when you are on this page - just above the title
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02 Apr 21, Debbie h. (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Can you plant onions that already have a green stem coming from it? Like ones in fridge if not used fast enough .
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22 Jun 21, Jayne Matzkin (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I've done it. You take the outside layers off until you reach the layers the green stem is attached to and plug it in your garden. They become a bigger version of themselves. I see this a way of not wasting that onion and tossing it.
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07 Oct 22, Janelle (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Yes, I just did exactly that this summer. Instructions on previous reply are correct.
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08 Apr 21, Anon (USA - Zone 4b climate)
Put the question into google and it will explain how to do it.
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Showing 71 - 80 of 360 comments
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I planted my red onions, in a patch where my beans were, they took twice as long to grow than my brown onions planted nearby in virgin soil, brown onions are almost the size of a Pomello, red onions are still coming on. Onions and pulses, beans and Peas) definitely are enemies

- Norma

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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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