Sure, we could simply buy onion sets and plant them, but where’s the fun in that? Plus, the variety is limited and they often grow into thick-necked onions that want to go to seed instead of forming firm bulbs. So, why not take the opportunity to grow your own onions and experience the wide range of flavors and types available?
Which Onion is Right for You?
When it comes to growing onions, you have a few options: onion sets, seeds, or plants. The choice depends on what is available to you and the level of control you want over the process.
Onion sets are small onions that will grow into full-size onions in about 14 weeks. Look for sets no bigger than three-quarters of an inch in diameter to avoid thick-necked onions that tend to go to seed. The most common varieties are ‘Stuttgarter’ and ‘Ebenezer’, both flavorful and good for storage.
Onions grown from seed offer the widest range of varieties, including red, yellow, or white onions with round, flat, or long shapes. You can choose between mild and sweet or pungent and tangy flavors. Start onion seeds indoors as they need soil temperatures above 50°F to germinate successfully.
Onion plants are available at local gardening centers and some mail-order services. However, the selection may be more limited compared to seeds or sets.
Long Day or Short Day Onions?
Did you know that onions are sensitive to daylight? When days reach 12 hours or more, leaf production stops, and bulbs start to form. Different onion varieties are bred for specific parts of the country based on the length of daylight.
If you live north of a line running from the border between North and South Carolina to San Francisco (roughly 36 degrees latitude), it’s best to plant long day onion varieties. This ensures they receive enough daylight to form bulbs. Some popular long day options are ‘Walla-Walla’, ‘Red Wing’, and ‘Copra’.
For those living south of the line, short day onion varieties are recommended. These onions require shorter daylight hours to form bulbs. Consider planting ‘Yellow Granex’, ‘Texas 1015-Y Supersweet’, or ‘White Bermuda’.
What About Day-Neutral Onion Varieties?
If you want onions that are not affected by day length and can thrive anywhere, look for day-neutral varieties. These onions produce excellent crops regardless of location. Some great day-neutral options include ‘Super Star’, ‘Candy’, and ‘Red Stockton’.
Tips for Successful Onion Growing
To ensure a successful onion crop, keep these tips in mind:
- Start onion seeds indoors in colder climates (Zone 5) before transplanting them outside.
- Onions prefer sweet fertile soil with a near-neutral pH and plenty of sunshine.
- Keep the soil cool and moist by using mulch and regularly weeding around the plants.
- Avoid planting onions after cole crops, but they thrive if planted where lettuce or squash grew the previous year.
- Young onion plants can withstand light frost, so an early start is beneficial.
- In the South, consider planting onions in the fall to give them a head start on the growing season. They will be ready for harvest in May.
Harvesting and Storing Onions
Knowing when to harvest onions is crucial to ensure optimal flavor and storage life. Once the onion tops begin to dry out and fall over, withhold water for about a week. Then, pull the onions out and spread them in the sun to allow the foliage to dry and the skin to toughen.
Once cured, store onions in a cool (40° to 60°F), dry, and well-ventilated area. Hanging them in a mesh bag or spreading them no more than two deep in a box are good options. Check periodically for any sprouting or rotting onions and remove them. Do not store onions in the refrigerator as it is too damp.
For sweet onions that have a high water content, store them in a way that prevents bruising. One clever method is using clean old pantyhose. Slip each onion into the pantyhose, tying a knot between each one, and hang them in a cool, dry place.
In conclusion, growing onions is an exciting and rewarding experience for any home gardener. From choosing the right variety to harvesting and storing the bulbs, this guide has provided you with essential tips to help you cultivate delicious and flavorful onions. So, why not give it a try and add that extra burst of flavor to your culinary creations? Happy gardening!
Note: For more in-depth information on growing onions, refer to our comprehensive Onion Growing Guide.