In this article, we are going to teach you how to plant onions, one of the most consumed vegetables worldwide. Planting onions is very simple and does not require too much care.
It is a biennial plant that is cultivated as an annual since, in the second year, it produces a stem in which the flower develops and the bulb spoils.
Table of Contents
When to Plant Onions
We can plant onions all year round if we live in temperate zones. Also, the best time to plant onions is in autumn and spring.
Where to Plant Onions
Onions should be planted in locations with good lighting. They need plenty of sunlight, so avoid planting them near trees or shady objects.
Soil for Onions
The ideal soil for onions is soil rich in organic matter and aerated. Soils rich in potassium and nitrogen favor the development of onions. We can add humus to improve the quality of our soil. It is also good that the soil has very good drainage. The ideal pH is between 5.5 and 6.8.
How to Plant Onions Step by Step
In this article, we will explain how to plant onions from seeds. It is a very easy process, follow the steps.
1- We will look for organic onion seeds. It is easily obtained on the Internet or in nurseries.
2- We will prepare the soil as mentioned above. Make sure the soil is aerated and has good drainage.
3- Place the onion seeds on top of the soil and then cover them with a very thin layer of soil. The onion seeds should not go too deep or they will not germinate.
4- Leave 6” to 8” (15 cm to 20 cm) distance between seeds.
5- Water gently with a sprinkler so as not to bury the seeds.
In a short time, you will begin to see onion sprouts.
Watering Onions
At the beginning of planting onions, watering should be constant and almost daily, depending on temperatures and humidity in the environment.
Most Frequent Pests and Diseases
Onion fly (especially the larva that devours the green parts). Remedy: associate it with carrots, because both repel each other’s pests.
Premature flowering. It occurs because it coincides with a period of low temperatures. Remedy: eliminate the flower as soon as possible.
On the other hand, excess moisture in the soil increases the risk of diseases to which onions may be vulnerable.
Onion Varieties
Some varieties of onions are as follows:
- Spring onions: Stuttgarter Riesen, Birnenförmige, Juwarund. Spring, Slug
- Winter onions: Express Yellow, Weisse Frühlingszzwiebel Senhyu Yellow.
- Plantation onions: Stuttgarter Riesen, Birnenförmige, Juwarund.
- Winter planting onions: Presto, Romy.
Onion Harvesting
The answer to when onions are harvested depends on the variety of onions planted, along with other factors such as the region and season where the onion was grown. However, the time ranges from 85 days after sowing to almost 300 days after sowing.
For immediate consumption, bulbs should be plucked when needed, at any stage of their development. If you are looking to store them for a few months (they can last from 3 to 6 months, depending on the onion crop and storage conditions), you should wait until the older leaves dry out and the bulbs acquire their characteristic color.
