Growing onions is simple: If you can poke a hole into the ground, you can grow an onion from a little plant. Most of the onion varieties are sold as little seedlings in bare-root bundles; each plant will start growing within days after you plant.
If you can't plant your onions right away, remove their bindings and place them in a bucket with 2 inches of moist soil in the bottom. Keep them in a cool, bright place but out of direct sun until you are ready to plant. A sunny basement is ideal.
Growing Tips (How to Grow Onions)
Plant onions in early spring once the ground is workable. In-ground gardens and raised beds are both excellent options for growing onions.
Space onion plants 6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. Grow them in a sunny spot that has fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
Improve your native soil by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter.
Onions aren't great at taking up water, so it's important to keep soil moist so their shallow roots can drink up. Water whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry.
For best results, keep your growing onions fed with a continuous-release plant food.
Onions can be eaten at nearly any size so harvest when they're the right size for your next culinary creation.
The Lilly Family
Onions and other aromatic plants belong to the genus Allium in the lily family. In fact, they are commonly referred to as “the stinking lilies” for their distinctive aromatic properties. There is a wide range of species within the genus Allium. They include: onions, leeks, garlic, chives, and shallots.
The Alliums grow best when planted in the fall as they prefer a cooler growing season. The average allium takes about 180 days to grow completely, from the time the bulb is planted to the time the plant is harvested.
Soil, Planting, and Care
Craving sweet, mild onions? They're within reach! Here's your guide to growing the best ones, whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out.
Choosing your champions:
Sweetheart Selection: Go for varieties known for sweetness, like Texas Sweet for southern climes or Walla Walla in the north. Consider Bonnie Plants® onion slips – strong seedlings from a company with over a century of helping home gardeners.
The perfect environment:
Sunshine & drainage: Onions love full sun and well-draining soil. Aim for a soil pH of 6.0-6.8.
Building a thriving home:
Raised beds rock: If your soil is heavy clay, raised beds (filled with special mixes like Jobe's Organics fertilizer spikes) or raised rows made with compost-enriched soil are ideal.
Planting power:
Just right depth: Set plants 1 inch deep, ensuring roots are covered but avoid burying the "neck" where leaves sprout. Keep soil exposed there to prevent rot.
Spacing secrets:
Give them room: Space plants 6 inches apart in furrows 12 inches apart.
Water wisdom:
Steady sips: Shallow roots mean onions need consistent moisture. Avoid drought stress, but keep the soil moist, not soggy.
Mulch matters:
A light touch: Use a thin layer of weed-free mulch (like grass clippings) to retain moisture. As bulbs grow, allow their tops to enjoy the sunshine – remove mulch if it gets too close.
Size matters (sometimes):
Giant dreams:
Some gardeners sort seedlings by size, planting the largest (pencil-diameter) ones closer (2 inches apart) to harvest them young as green onions. Smaller seedlings can become a bonus scallion crop!
Remember: The biggest, juiciest onions come from pencil-sized seedlings. So grab your gardening gloves and get ready to grow some sweetness!
Troubleshooting
As onions leaves expand, they may be found by tiny black onion thrips, which suck sap from onion leaves. These are hard to see because they hide down in the folds and neck of the leaves. Also be on the lookout for aphids. Finally, weak plants that slowly wilt may be infested with onion root maggots, the larvae of a common fly. Contact your regional Extension agency for details on how to control these pests.
Where to buy seeds
Harvest and Storage
For "spring onions" or scallions, you can harvest young onions a few weeks after planting. There's no specific size requirement; simply pull them when they've reached your desired size.
To harvest full-sized bulbs, allow the onions to grow and mature. They're ready for harvesting when the bulbs are sufficiently large and the tops start to yellow and droop. Gently pull them from the soil, shake off excess dirt, and lay them out for curing while still attached to their tops.
Choose a warm, well-ventilated area for curing; you can hang them over a fence, ensuring they remain dry. Adequate air circulation is crucial. During the curing process, the roots will shrink, and the tops will gradually dry, a natural occurrence that helps seal the bulbs' tops, reducing the risk of rot.
After 7 to 10 days, trim off the tops and roots with pruning shears, remove excess dry soil without stripping the outer skins, and store the onions in a cool location. Particularly sweet, juicy onions can be stored wrapped in newspaper or paper towels in the refrigerator.
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