How to Grow Onions: 10 Steps
1. Choose the right variety of onions: There are several types of onions to choose from, such as sweet onions, red onions, white onions, and yellow storage onions. Pick a variety that best suits your taste preferences and region.
2. Select the right location: Onions require full sun and well-draining soil to grow properly. Ensure that the selected growing area receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily and has fertile soil.
3. Prepare the soil: Onions thrive in loose, well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
4. Plant at the appropriate time: Onions can be grown from seeds, sets (small bulbs), or transplants. If starting from seeds, plant them indoors 8-10 weeks before your last frost date; for sets or transplants, wait until after the last frost has passed.
5. Space the onions properly: Plant onion seeds about 1/4 inch deep, while sets or transplants should be planted about an inch deep in rows that are 12-18 inches apart with individual plants spaced approximately 4-6 inches apart.
6. Water regularly: Onions require consistent moisture to develop properly but can be susceptible to rot if they sit in waterlogged soil. Water them gently and evenly at regular intervals making sure not to let the top layer of soil dry out completely—about an inch of water per week should suffice.
7. Monitor for pests and diseases: Onion crops can attract pests like thrips and onion maggots, and could suffer from diseases like pink root rot or botrytis leaf blight. Inspect your plants regularly for signs of insects or diseased foliage, treating any issues accordingly.
8. Fertilize during growth: Onions typically do not require excessive fertilization. However, to encourage healthy growth, apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer about 4-6 weeks after planting and again midway through the growing season.
9. Harvest at the right time: Onions are ready for harvesting when their tops become yellow and start to fall over. Once this occurs, gently lift the onions out of the soil using a garden fork and allow them to dry in a well-ventilated area for about two weeks.
10. Store properly: Once the onions are properly dried, store them in a cool, dark location with good air circulation, ideally between 40-50°F (4-10°C). Check the storage conditions regularly to ensure onions remain free of mold and spoilage.