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Growing Onion

(Allium cepa)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  S P P                

(Best months for planting Onion in USA - Zone 5a regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.


  • 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: Lemon Balm, Borage, Carrots, Beets, Silverbeet, Lettuce, Amaranth
  • Avoid growing with: Peas, Beans
  • Red onion
  • Young brown onion

Your comments and tips

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04 Aug 12, Kevin (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
No. The tops need to fall themselves ideally when they are ready. If the stem is thick and appears to be forming a seed head, then pull them out and eat first.
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05 Jun 12, peggy (USA - Zone 5a climate)
for a better onion do you fold over the tops of the onions when they get tall
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20 Apr 12, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I must be very lucky! I ignored everything the onion pack said (like covering with seed raising mixture, etc) and planted the seeds right into the dirt. Rather than the seeds taking 21-28 days as the packet said, they came through in 10 and going really strong :) All the best :)
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01 Feb 12, greg (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Can u pls provide me informations on onion cultivation in my area
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13 Jan 12, Narelle (Australia - temperate climate)
How do you get onion seeds to germinate? I've tried with a few different seed packets, but no luck. Is it the soil? I'd love some information for optimum conditions for growing onions from seed.
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05 Feb 12, Jimmy (Australia - temperate climate)
I raised seeds in seed propogating mix in small containers first. That way I can control watering and temperature better until they are strong enough to transplant. Have had almost 100% seed germination rate so far! Hope that helps.
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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.
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03 Nov 11, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
can i plant brown onions now we are nearly at the end of spring
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26 Jul 11, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How do I plant a onion that has already started to shoot
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31 Jul 11, Karen (Australia - temperate climate)
with the green shoot just out of the ground - bulb covered with soil. Do not over water or you will have mush.
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Post a question, comment or tip about Onion

what do they need, phosforos, iron...potasium? please let me know

- Gema gonzalez


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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. Gardenate 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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