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

12 Aug 21, Carol Rose (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I found Dixondale Farms to be a great help. I ordered my onion slips form them. I had never ordered onion slips before so I was a little nervous about the process. I wasn't able to plant them when they arrived but I cared for them as per instructions and only lost a few before I could get them into my newly made raised beds. I planted sometime in early June I think and they are about 3 weeks or so form being ready. I live on the Central Coast of California and these onions look great. As a pretty new organic gardener I love to share my successes. Ck out Hollis and Nancy's homestead on YouTube. It is so helpful!!
12 Feb 21, Rosie (Canada - Zone 5b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
How do you care for onion plants: weeding, cutting back,spooning,fertilizing,watering?
02 Mar 21, (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Start with good loose soil that has had some fertiliser, compost, manure put in it, don't over do it though. Water every day when small and then each 2 days when half grown. Keep weeded.
03 Feb 21, Sky Kell (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Perennial onion that multiplies for 7b zone
18 Dec 20, Sydney Thama (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
hello it is safe to plant onion around July and August?
21 Dec 20, Anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Go the onion page and check when to plant onions in your climate zone, or google and research about growing onions.
13 Oct 20, Kelly (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi there, I planted white onions in May, they have not yet yellowed and the stalks have not fallen over- we're having a lot of rain fall early on and I am afraid they will rot if I leave them in the ground while it rains so much. Can I harvest them before they have yellowed or will they still mature correctly despite the rain? Any tips or advice would be much appreciated Thanks
16 Oct 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
It says plant seed Feb Mar and you planted May, that is the problem. Check to see how big they are, if a good size pull out. You be the judge, keep an eye on them, if they look like going rotten out they come.
13 Oct 20, Liesl Mittan (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
We planted onions late in march , they are ready and some are flowering .They should dry in the ground , but we are having rain. What do I do . Take them out and dry them hanging or leave in the ground and hope for hot weather . Thanks
19 Oct 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Pull them out.
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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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