Onion
Scientific Classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(Unranked):	Angiosperms
(Unranked):	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Alliaceae
Genus:	Allium
Species:	Allium cepa

Plant Data
Min germination temp:	13°C (55°F)
Max germination temp:	35°C (95°F)
Germination time:	14 days
Time to transplanting:	+50 days
Time to harvesting:	+120 days
Mature height:	45cm (17½in)
Ideal pH range:	6.0 - 7.0
Sow depth:	2.5cm (1in)
Sow spacing:	5cm (2in)

Hardiness Zones
Ideal Hardiness Zones · · · 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 · ·
UK Hardiness Map
European Hardiness Map
USA Hardiness Map

The onion (Allium cepa) is also known as the "garden onion" or "bulb" onion. Above ground, the onion shows only a single vertical shoot; the bulb grows underground, and is used for energy storage, leading to the possibility of confusion with a tuber, which it is not. Allium cepa is known only in cultivation, but related wild species occur in Central Asia.

Contents 1 Planner 1.1 From Sets 1.2 From Seed 2 Growing 2.1 Location 2.2 Soil 2.3 Sowing 2.4 Transplanting 2.5 Planting Sets 2.6 Aftercare 2.6.1 Weeding 2.6.2 Bolting 2.7 Harvesting 3 Storing 4 Troubles 5 References

PlannerEdit

From SetsEdit

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Planting Time

Lifting Time

From SeedEdit

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Sowing Time (Indoors)

Transplanting Time

Sowing Time (Outdoors)

Lifting Time

GrowingEdit

LocationEdit

Onions prefer a sunny, well drained site although a moist site can be tolerated if grown in ridges. Avoid bulky soil, but again this can be tolerated if conditions are managed.^[1]

SoilEdit

Soil should be fertile, but excessive nitrogen will delay maturity so avoid freshly manured soil.^[2] Manure should be dug in 2 months prior to planting. Acidic soil should be treated with lime to neutralise its pH.^[1]

SowingEdit

Sow seeds in modules in late January and kept indoors at temperatures of 13°C (55°F) to 35°C (95°F). You can plant up to 5 seeds in each module, once transplanted plants will push apart.^[1] Alternatively sow seeds outdoors in February-March. For a continual supply; make a second sowing in August for a crop ready in June the following year.

TransplantingEdit

Transplant seedlings in early April.

Planting SetsEdit

Plant onion sets in Spring so that the tip of the bulb is just showing above the soil.

AftercareEdit

WeedingEdit

Since onions do not produce dense foliage to shade the surrounding earth from weeds; regular weeding is essential or plants will soon be overrun with competing plants.

BoltingEdit

Bolting can be an issue with some onions depending on variety and growing conditions. If a flower stalk begins to form, cut it off.

HarvestingEdit

Onions are ready to harvest once foliage starts to turn yellow. Leaves should not be folded to speed this process up. Lay harvested onions in a warm dry place for 2 weeks to dry out. Onions that develop a thick neck should be used immediately as these do not store well and are prone to neck rot.

StoringEdit

Once foliage is completely dry, store onions in a dark, cool, dry place either by packing in boxes or in plaits.^[1] Onions should keep for 3-6 months depending on variety.

TroublesEdit

Full troubles list: Allium troubles

ReferencesEdit

1. ↑ ^{a b c d} "Grow onions and garlic". BBC Gardening Guides. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
2. ↑ (2004). "Dry Bulb Onions". Oregon State University. Retrieved 2010-07-17.

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