Growing Instructions for Onion varieties

Season:

Summer and Winter

 

Most onion varieties are considered 'cool weather' crops and are thus grown during the winter

months. But some onion varieties can also be grown during summer (except for garlic, which is

planted during February/March). During the hotter months, onion varieties tends to make flowers

and set seed though, so are often harvested prematurely (like green onions).

 

Position:

Full sun

 

Soil ph:

Between 6 and 7

 

Watering needs:

Once or twice a week

 

Possible pests & problems:

Aphids (very rare)

Rotting bulbs (only if overwatered)

 

Maintenance & Extras:

Onion varieties are very easy to grow and does not need extra maintenance as long as it is grown

in fertile, well-draining (even slightly sandy) soil.

 

Additional fertilizers:

None needed

 

Harvest:

When an onion has finished growing and is ready to be pulled, the top of the onion will be visible

above ground and the stalk will flop over and bend right where it meets the bulb. Spring onions

can be harvested at any size. Leeks can be harvested when smaller, but it is better for leeks to

mature properly before harvesting. Most onion varieties takes around 90 to 100 days to mature

fully.

 

Cultivars:

Onion varieties fall under the genus “Allium” and includes leeks, scallions, shallots, garlic and

onions. It is a rare food (yet, commonly used in most households over the world), that can be

sweet, savoury, pungent and aromatic at the same time. Red onions are sweeter and used in

salads or as garnish. Leeks are often used in soups. Shallots are more pungent and “garlicky” and

are often used in sauces or salad dressings, but is also great for roasting. Spring onions are often

called “Green onions”, but onions that have not formed a bulb yet and are harvested prematurely,

are also called “Green onions”. Best to experiment with all the different onion varieties and find

the ones you enjoy most.

 

General:

Onions are very easy to grow – they just take much longer than most other veggies and is

therefore often skipped by the home gardener who does not have enough space for such a crop.

But this problem can be overcome by opting for onion varieties that does not take up that much

space, such as leeks and spring onions (or green onions).

Big onion varieties, like “Texas Grano” (or the common brown onion) does not like to grow in pots.

Onion varieties that can be grown in pots are spring onion, leeks and shallots.

Onions makes a great companion plant in the vegetable garden. It is often used around borders

or in between rows to assist with pest control, as the strong smell helps to repel pests. Do not

plant Alliums (onion varieties) with Legumes (bean varieties). Alliums will stunt the growth of

Legumes.