Highlights

Growing onions from seeds is a rewarding and cost - effective manner to enjoy new , homegrown onion . Whether you ’re a seasoned gardener or a novice , this comprehensive pathfinder will provide you with all the essential knowledge and techniques to successfully cultivate onion plant from seed .

Choosing the Right Onion Variety

The first whole tone ingrowing onionsfrom seeds is to choose the right variety . Consider your mood , soil type , anddesired harvesting prison term . Some democratic onion plant varieties include :

Preparing the Soil

Onions prefer well - drain soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . Prepare the soil by till it to a profoundness of 12 - 18 inches andadding organic mattersuch as compost or manure .

Sowing the Seeds

Sow onion seeds indoors 6 - 8 week before the last frost date . Use a seed - start mix and plant the seeds 1/4inch deep . Keep the soil moist andprovide plentyof light .

Transplanting Seedlings

When the seedlings have developed 2 - 3true leaves , it ’s clock time to transplant them outdoors . Harden off the seedlings bygradually exposingthem tooutdoor conditionsfor a week . Space the seedling 4 - 6 inches apart in rows 12 - 18 inch apart .

Watering and Fertilizing

Water onion deep and on a regular basis , especially during red-hot , dry conditions . Fertilize the plants every 4 - 6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer .

Mulching

mulch around theonion plants helpstosuppress weeds , retain wet , and order dirt temperature . Use organic materials such as stalk , hay , or compost .

Pests and Diseases

Common plague thataffect onion include thrips , aphids , and onion maggots . Diseases to watch out forinclude onion soot , downy mildew , and pinkish root . do skilful garden hygienics and use appropriate control quantity to prevent or do these issues .

Harvesting Onions

Onions are ready to harvest when the peak start toturn brownand fall over . mildly raise the onion from the soil and allow them to heal in a well - air out areafor 2 - 3 calendar week before storing .

Storing Onions

Properly cured Allium cepa can be put in for several month in a nerveless , dry place . hang up the onion in mesh bag or lay in them in vent box .

Tips for Growing Healthy Onions

Final Note: The Joy of Homegrown Onions

develop onions from seeds is a satisfying andrewarding experience . By following the steps outlined in this guide , you may enjoy the sweet andsavory tasteof homegrown onion allseason long . Remember , gardening is a journey of learning and experiment , so do n’t be afraid to adjust and conform these technique to suit your specific grow conditions .

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

1 . Can I sow onion seed directly outdoors?Yes , but it ’s best tostart seed indoorsand transplantation them outdoors . This gives the seedlings ahead startand reduces the risk of pests and diseases.2 . How deep should I plant onion plant seeds?Plant onion seed 1/4inch deepin the soil.3 . How often should I irrigate onion plants?Water onion plants deeply and on a regular basis , especially during blistering , dry atmospheric condition . Aim to water the plants about 1 inch per week.4 . How do Icontrol weedsin onion beds?Mulch around the onion plant withorganic materialssuch as straw or compost . This help tosuppress weedsand retain moisture.5 . What arecommon pestsand disease that affect onions?Common pestilence thataffect onions include thrips , aphids , and onion plant maggot . Diseases to find out out forinclude onion smut , downy mildew , and pinkish antecedent .