| Onion | |
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| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (Unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (Unranked): | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Alliaceae |
| Genus: | Allium |
| Species: | Allium cepa |
| Plant Data | |
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| Min germination temp: | 13°C (55°F) |
| Max germination temp: | 35°C (95°F) |
| Germination time: | 14 days |
| Time to transplanting: | +50 days |
| Time to harvesting: | +120 days |
| Mature height: | 45cm (17½in) |
| Ideal pH range: | 6.0 - 7.0 |
| Sow depth: | 2.5cm (1in) |
| Sow spacing: | 5cm (2in) |
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The onion (Allium cepa) is also known as the "garden onion" or "bulb" onion. Above ground, the onion shows only a single vertical shoot; the bulb grows underground, and is used for energy storage, leading to the possibility of confusion with a tuber, which it is not. Allium cepa is known only in cultivation, but related wild species occur in Central Asia.
Planner[]
From Sets[]
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From Seed[]
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Growing[]
Location[]
Onions prefer a sunny, well drained site although a moist site can be tolerated if grown in ridges. Avoid bulky soil, but again this can be tolerated if conditions are managed.[1]
Soil[]
Soil should be fertile, but excessive nitrogen will delay maturity so avoid freshly manured soil.[2] Manure should be dug in 2 months prior to planting. Acidic soil should be treated with lime to neutralise its pH.[1]
Sowing[]
Sow seeds in modules in late January and kept indoors at temperatures of 13°C (55°F) to 35°C (95°F). You can plant up to 5 seeds in each module, once transplanted plants will push apart.[1] Alternatively sow seeds outdoors in February-March. For a continual supply; make a second sowing in August for a crop ready in June the following year.
Transplanting[]
Transplant seedlings in early April.
Planting Sets[]
Plant onion sets in Spring so that the tip of the bulb is just showing above the soil.
Aftercare[]
Weeding[]
Since onions do not produce dense foliage to shade the surrounding earth from weeds; regular weeding is essential or plants will soon be overrun with competing plants.
Bolting[]
Bolting can be an issue with some onions depending on variety and growing conditions. If a flower stalk begins to form, cut it off.
Harvesting[]
Onions are ready to harvest once foliage starts to turn yellow. Leaves should not be folded to speed this process up. Lay harvested onions in a warm dry place for 2 weeks to dry out. Onions that develop a thick neck should be used immediately as these do not store well and are prone to neck rot.
Storing[]
Once foliage is completely dry, store onions in a dark, cool, dry place either by packing in boxes or in plaits.[1] Onions should keep for 3-6 months depending on variety.
Troubles[]
- Full troubles list: Allium troubles
References[]
- ↑ a b c d "Grow onions and garlic". BBC Gardening Guides. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
- ↑ (2004). "Dry Bulb Onions". Oregon State University. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
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| Onion varieties |
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|---|---|
| Red onions | Electric red · Red baron |
| White onions | |
| Yellow onions | |