Quick summary
Growing onions from seeds is arewarding experiencethat can provide you with a bounteous harvesting of flavorous bulbs . Planting Allium cepa seed straight off in the garden is a unsubdivided and effective method that allows you to hold in the increase conditions andproduce onions tailoredto your specific needs . This comprehensive guide will walk you through every tone of the process , guarantee you achieve optimal resultant .
Site Selection and Preparation
The first footprint inplanting onion plant seeds directlyin the garden is to take a desirable land site . Allium cepa thrive in well - drained soilthat is loose and fertile . Avoid implant in areas that are prone to waterlogging or have cloggy clay soil . ready the dirt by till it to a profundity of 12 - 18 inches . Remove any widow’s weeds or dust and amend the soil with compost or manure to improve its birth rate . Theideal pH rangefor onion is between 6.0 and 6.8 .
Seed Selection and Timing
Choose onion plant varieties that are suited for your clime anddesired harvest time . Somepopular varietiesfor direct seeding let in ‘ Walla Walla ’ , ‘ Red Burgundy ’ , and ‘ Yellow Granex’ . The good time toplant onion seeds directlyin thegarden varies dependingon your location . In oecumenical , seeds should be sown 4 - 6 weeks before the lastspring icing . In warmer climates , germ can be sown in the fall for a give harvest time .
Sowing the Seeds
sow in the onion seeds thinly , spacing them about 1 - 2 inches apart . engraft the seeds about 1/4inch deepin the soil . piddle theseeds gentlyafter planting to fall the dirt and further germination .
Mulching and Watering
Mulch around theonion seedlingswith straw or compost toretain moistureandsuppress weed . Water the onions regularly , especially during hot and teetotal weather . Aim to keep the dirt moist but not waterlogged .
Thinning and Fertilizing
Pest and Disease Control
Onions are susceptible to a few pests and diseases . Common pestis let in onion plant maggot and thripid . disease that canaffect onions include downy mildewand onion smut . supervise youronion plants regularlyfor signs of pest or diseases . Treat any infestations orinfections promptlyusing appropriate method , such asinsecticidal soapor fungicide .
Harvesting and Storage
Allium cepa are ready to harvest when thetops begintoturn brownand fall over . Gently bring up the onions from the soil and reserve them to dry out in a warm , well - vent area for a few weeks . Once the onions are dry , slue off the tops and store them in a nerveless , dark place . right storage can extend theshelf lifeof onions for several calendar month .
Tips for Success
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q : How deep should I imbed onion seeds?A : plant life onion seedsabout 1/4inch deepin the dirt . Q : How far apart should I space onion plant seedlings?A : Thin Allium cepa seedlingsto a spatial arrangement of 4 - 6 inches apart . Q : How often should I irrigate onions?A : water system Allium cepa regularly , specially during raging anddry weather . take aim to keep thesoil moistbut not waterlogged . Q : What are somecommon pestsand diseases that impress onions?A : rough-cut pest include Allium cepa maggotsand thripid . Common disease let in fluffy mildew and onion smut . Q : How long does it take for onion to mature?A : onion typicallytake 90 - 120 day to mature from seed .
