produce Allium cepa in Mississippi can be a rewarding experience , but it requires careful provision and consideration of the unique growing conditions in the state . Mississippi ’s hot and humid summer , mild winters , and varying hurry levels can greatly impact onion finish . To have a productive Allium cepa harvest time , it ’s essential to choose the right time for planting , as planting too early or late can result in wretched yields and dispirited - quality onions . sleep with when to originate your seeds indoors , how and when to transfer them outside are all critical man of data for your upcoming onion harvest home .
Good Onion Varieties to Grow in Mississippi
Onions are a popular veg crop among gardeners due to their versatility in the kitchen and the relaxation with which they can be develop . There are legion variety of onions , each with its singular characteristics and purpose .
Here are some of the more popular onion variety that gardeners like to turn :
Overall , each onion plant variety has its unique relish profile and culinary exercise , make them a popular and various craw for gardener .
When to Plant Onions in Mississippi
onion are a cool - season crop that can be plant in the springiness as soon as the soil can be do work . The exact planting time will depart depending on your location and climate , but by and large , onions should be planted about 2 - 4 week before the last expected frost date in your area . The onion planting dates in Mississippi are :
Additional Resource : Find Your Mississippi Hardiness Zone
Before planting onions , it ’s of the essence to prepare the soil by tease apart it to a depth of 4 - 6 inches and comprise compost or well - rot manure . Allium cepa favour well - run out soil with a pH between 6.0 - 7.0 .
To found onion sets , which are small onion plant bulbs , make a line about 1 column inch deep , plant the solidifying 4 - 6 inches asunder , and cover them with soil . For onion seeds , inseminate them about 1/4 in deep and 1 inch asunder , and encompass them with land . Water the soil thoroughly after planting , and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge .
onion acquire best in full sunlight and ask consistent moisture to produce quality bulbs . They also benefit from regular fertilization throughout the develop time of year . sess control is indispensable , so keep the area around the plants liberal of weeds .
Onions should be planted in the fountain , 2 - 4 week before the last expected rime date in your area . Prepare the soil , imbed the sets or seeds , water the well , and keep the area free of weeds . With proper care , you’re able to delight a openhanded crop of luscious onions in the summer and fall .
Planting Onions From Seed
However , planting onions from seed can be a skillful option if you want to grow a specific variety that is n’t available as sets or starts . Planting onion seeds can also be more cost - in effect than buy sets or scratch line .
If you determine to plant onion plant from germ , you should start the source indoors 8 - 10 calendar week before the last expected frost date in your orbit . If you decide to plant onion from seed , you should start the come indoors 8 - 10 weeks before the last expected hoar appointment in your area . The concluding rime dates in Mississippi are :
In Mississippi , set out your onion seeds indoors around :
To start onion seeds indoors , satiate come trays with a sound quality seed - starting mix , and sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil . comprehend the seminal fluid with a thin level of grunge , irrigate the tray , and keep it in a affectionate , bright localization . Onion seeds ask a consistent temperature of 65 - 75 ° F to germinate , so you may need to apply a heat lusterlessness or grow light to observe the veracious condition .
After the seeds have sprout , thin the seedlings to about 1 inch apart , and uphold to grow them indoors until they are large enough to transplant outside . Harden off the seedlings by step by step exposing them to outdoor shape for a week before transplanting them into the garden .
When to Harvest Onions in Mississippi
onion are ready to harvest when the leaves start to turn yellow and accrue over . This typically chance in later summertime or former nightfall , about 100 - 120 days after planting , depending on the motley and growing circumstance .
To discipline if the onions are ready for harvesting , gently tug back the soil around the base of the onion bulbs to see if they have modernise into fledged bulbs . If the bulbs are of the hope size of it , you could start to harvest them .
To harvest onions , habituate a garden fork or shovel to carefully lift the bulbs out of the soil . softly loosen the grease around the bulbs to void damage them . Once the light bulb are out of the soil , leave them on the ground for a twenty-four hour period or two to dry out out and cure in the sun . This will facilitate to toughen the pelt and prolong the memory sprightliness of the onions .
After the onions have dry out and cure for a day or two , cut off the stem and solution to about 1 column inch from the bulb . you’re able to then store the onion in a cool , juiceless place , such as a service department or cellar , with good air circulation . Hanging them in mesh suitcase or tying them in gold braid is also a good way to store onions .
onion should be stored in a place with a temperature between 32 - 40 ° F and with low humidity . obviate storing onions near tater or other fruit and vegetables that develop ethene flatulency , which can cause onion to pamper more quickly .
