Quick Overview

onion plant are a staple in many cuisines , adding flavor and deepness to a wide range of mountains of dishes . Growing onions from seeds is a rewarding experience that can provide you with a liberal harvest of fresh , homegrown onions . Thiscomprehensive guidewill take the air you through every step of the process , from preparing the territory to harvest your onions .

Choosing the Right Onion Seeds

The first step in planting onion seeds alfresco is take the right varieties . There are twomain typesof onions : short - 24-hour interval onions and prospicient - day onion .

debate thematurity datesand yourlocal climatewhenchoosing onion varieties . Some democratic onion varieties include :

Preparing the Soil

Onions prefer well - drained , fertile soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . Before planting , gear up the territory by :

Planting the Onion Seeds

When to implant : Plant onion seed outdoors6 - 8 weeks before the lastexpected frost datein your area . In most regions , this is early outflow . Spacing : Sow Allium cepa seeds1/2inch deepand 2 - 4 inches apart in row 12 - 18 inches aside . How to Plant:1 . Create shallow furrows in the prepared soil.2 . Sprinkle theonion seeds evenlyin the furrows.3 . underwrite the seed with athin layerof soil.4 . mildly tauten the soil around the seed .

Watering and Fertilizing

Watering : water system theonion seeds on a regular basis , particularly duringdry spells . Keep thesoil moistbut not waterlogged . Fertilizing : Fertilize the onions every 3 - 4 calendar week with abalanced fertilizer , follow the manufacturer ’s instructions .

Thinning the Onion Seedlings

Once theonion seedlingshave emerged , slenderize them out to allow for proper outgrowth . When to slim down : slim the seedlings when they are 2 - 3 in marvellous . How to dilute : utilise a pair of scissors grip or asharp knifeto cut off theweaker seedling , leaving the strongest ones at the desired spacing .

Controlling Weeds and Pests

Weeds : Regularly removeany weeds that compete with the onions for water and nutrients . mulch around the onions can help oneself suppress weeds . pest : Onions are susceptible to a fewcommon pestilence , such asonion fly ball , thrips , and aphid . utilize organic orchemical plague ascendance methodsas needed .

Harvesting Onions

When to reap : onion are quick to harvest when thetops starttoturn brownand descend over . How to Harvest:1 . hollow around theonions carefullytoavoid damagingthem.2 . overturn the onions out of the ground and remove any excess soil.3 . Allow the onion to cure in a warm , ironic placefor 2 - 3 workweek before lay in them .

Storing Onions

Properly cure onion can be stored for several months in a cool , dry post . Keep them in amesh bagor basket to allow for aviation circulation .

Troubleshooting

Common Problems :

Solutions :

What People Want to Know

Q : Can I begin onion seeds indoors?A : Yes , you canstart Allium cepa seed indoors6 - 8 week before the last expected frost day of the month . Transplant theseedlings outdoorswhen they are 2 - 3 inches tall . Q : How often should I irrigate onion plants?A : Water theonion plants on a regular basis , especially duringdry trance . Keep thesoil moistbut not waterlogged . Q : Do onions involve full sun?A : Yes , onions command full sunforoptimal ontogeny . They necessitate at least 6 minute of sunshine per day . Q : How long does it take togrow onionsfrom seeds?A : It convey around 100 - 150 days from planting the seeds to glean the onion plant , reckon on the variety . Q : Can Igrow onionsin containers?A : Yes , you cangrow onionsin containers as long as they havegood drainageand experience enough sun .