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

Your comments and tips

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.
10 Sep 20, Vicky (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I planted red onion seedlings in April. I was waiting for the tops to bend over, as I've read. But now they're flowering. When should I have harvested? Also. The necks are very thick.
11 Sep 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I don't grow onions but it says 24-34 weeks until harvest. It is probably time to harvest if they are going to seed. Pull out and allow to dry.
01 Sep 20, M.fourie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
My onions grow big but don t have any bulbs.thy were planted from seedlings juni july and grow easy but till now no bulbs.we are in south of namibia
03 Sep 20, Anonymous (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Work out your climate type from the Blue climate Zone tab at the top of the page. Then check the planting guide. You may have planted out of season or at the very end of the season. Usually if something grows really well but doesn't produce a crop your soil is too rich, too much nitrogen.
24 Jun 20, Jimmy Spear (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
I planted half of an onion In a pot under potting soil +- 4 weeks ago and it has grown 3 healthy shoots about 20 cm long. What must I do now?? Please advise
25 Jun 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Keep growing it and see what happens.
25 May 20, Mlungisi Zwane (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
when is the good time/season to plant onion in south africa?
25 May 20, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Have a look at this page www.gardenate.com/plant/Onion?zone=22
Showing 21 - 30 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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