Growing Onion

Allium cepa : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S S                  
    T T                
  P P                  

(Best months for growing Onion in South Africa - Summer rainfall 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
  • Red onion
  • Young brown onion

Onions come in a range of colours and shapes and sizes. Brown - strong flavour and pungent. Usually good keepers for storage. White - milder but still flavoursome. Keep fairly well. Red - Mild, suitable to use raw in salads and sandwiches. The seedlings should be allowed to gain a bit of strength before planting out - usually 4 to 6 weeks will be enough. When they are big enough to handle, you can plant out. They start off looking like blades of grass.

They don't have to be in a greenhouse (though that would be ideal), any sheltered spot will do. The idea is to guard against rapid changes of temperature, especially at night.

Onions can be bought as young plants (sets or seedlings) from garden shops/nurseries to plant straight into garden beds. Choose your variety according to your climate and the time of year as some onions will grow better in the cooler months .

Onion bulbs should sit on the surface of the soil. Do not cover. They will take six to eight months to mature. Onions are ready when the tops start to dry and fall over. Pull them and leave to dry for a few days. Store in a cool, dry airy place. Use a net bag or make a string by weaving the tops together.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Onion

Brown onions roasted whole with other vegetables are delicious.
Red onions add colour to salads or stir-fry.

Your comments and tips

29 Nov 23, Themba Peter (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have onions that need transplanting is it the right time, will appreciate the advice.
30 Nov 23, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
You could try but it does say Feb - April.
08 Sep 23, enie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
is there onion variety that you can grow around November in south africa
14 Sep 23, Anonymous (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Check the planting guide - Dec onwards.
22 Jul 23, Joseph (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Is it okay to plant Texas grano onions in August and September. I am in mpumalanga, South Africa
19 Nov 22, Graham Hoorzuk (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Advice on how to grow tomatoes and lettuce in Durban
04 Dec 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Google how to grow them and read the notes here.
27 Oct 22, Which onion variety do I need to plant in December (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would like to plant onion during the rain season, please advise me on which variety to plant.December - April
27 Sep 22, DAVE MILES (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Australian Brown are starting to have seed stems, should I cut them off or allowed to seed
29 Sep 22, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
A plant going to seed is finishing it's life and producing seed to continue the cycle of life - new plants. A plant then puts most of it's energy into producing the seeds. Time to harvest now or real soon.
Showing 1 - 10 of 79 comments

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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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