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

01 Dec 24, Henning Kriel (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I love in Paarl western cape.i plant onion bulbs and they did start to grow but the leaves keeps are between 15 and 20 centimeters long and keep bending and lying on the soil.could you lease assist me on this matter
05 Nov 24, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I start sowing onion seeds in November. If so which type of onion is suitable
08 Nov 24, Celeste Archer (Australia - temperate climate)
One last thought .... I never seem to get everything into my first response ==> Egyptian walking onion --onions and other alliums need more phosphorus and potassium than most other vegetables. They also need more copper, manganese, zinc, and molybdenum- however most of these are adequately represent in compost. BUT, if you have any issues, and it is unlikely that you will with walking onions --- but if you do, first thing I would do is ensure all of these elements are present (in Canada our "old" pennies have a lot of copper, we just add this obsolete currency to the garden). Molybdenum is found in wood ash (just the stuff from the fireplace, firepit or wood burning stove -- provided you have burned "clean wood" )-- probably lots in leaf compost, and banana peel compost)-- of course potassium in potash etc.
08 Nov 24, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)
Tree onion (Allium x proliferum) also known as Walking Onions, Egyptian Onions, Topset Onions are a perennial onion. They are part of the Alliaceae or onion family and is a hybrid of the common onion (Allium cepa) and the welsh onion (Allium fistulosum). Tree onions are the easiest of the onions to grow coping with 40-degree heat and frosts. Check out his video -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olOrA80C40s -- variety matters -- and DURATION in the soil -- my understanding is harvesting too early results in low yields -- so wait for the 3rd set of topsets before harvesting as per the video. These onions take longer to get going, but are very reliable and topsets, mean you can always propagate (which is a nice to have -- since future generations get stronger and better suited to your climate).
12 Jun 24, Portia (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I plant onions in south Africa September month. I'm mpumalanga lowveld nelspruit.
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
Showing 1 - 10 of 84 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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