Grow onions like a pro!
Interested in planting big, beautiful onions? Pfff, who isn’t…. am I right?!
We’re talking specifically about bulbing onions in today’s blog post. Southern gardeners need short-day onions which are adapted to Southern latitudes. We plant them in late fall because onions need cool temperatures to establish roots and warm weather to form bulbs.
Types of onion
Here’s a quick rundown on the three categories of onion. We are 73% sure that you will impress a friend with this brainy knowledge:
Short-day onions need 10-12 hours of daylight and grow best in the south with warm temperatures (zones 7 and above). Long-day onions require 14-16 hours of daylight and are grown in the northern states (think of the sweet Walla Walla.. a perfect example of a long-day onion). These thrive in zones 6 and below. Intermediate-day onions require 12-14 hours of daylight and are in the middle of the U.S; zones 5-6. Onions form bulbs only when the minimum number of daylight hours are present.
Onion Sets
We like planting onion sets, which are small bulbs, as opposed to seed. You can find sets at your local nursery. Skip the big box stores! It’s important to source locally so you have a better chance at growing healthy, organic varieties that have a track record of growing well in your specific area.
Another tip is to talk to growers at your local farmers market. When I first began planting onions, I asked a few farmers about their favorite, most successful varieties and I learned so much. Farmers are a giving bunch and education is free. They are usually thrilled to talk about their craft. It’s fun to purchase a few different varieties before deciding on what you’ll plant. Get to know the growers at your farmer’s market and you’ll be in good hands!
Our favorite varieties:
*Vidalia (Yellow Granex): Famous for their sweet flavor
*Texas Early Grano: Reliable and mild
*Red Creole: A flavorful red onion that stores well
*White Bermuda: A flat, white variety with crispy, mild taste
Planting
Onions need well draining soil so if yours is heavy in clay, you’ll want to mix in compost to improve drainage. Growing in raised beds with sandy loam soil is the best way to go!
When planting onion sets, aim for 2 inches deep and approximately 4 inches apart. Keep the tip up and bury the onion set. The important thing is to think about the size of the full bulb at maturity. Plant accordingly and allow enough space. Onions that are planted too close together will have compromised growth.
Water regularly. We recommend drip irrigation which sends water down to the roots rather than spraying leaves. If this is not an option, choose a day of the week and make it a morning routine to water your new transplants.
Concerns
There are a few common problems when growing onions. Soft rot is common in humid climates but can also be a sign of overwatering. You may know that your onion has soft rot if any part of it is soft, mushy or shows signs of decay. This is a disease that is not treatable. The onion should be pulled and discarded. You can watch for signs early on. If leaves turn yellow, that’s a sign of overwatering.
Another concern is that the bulb may show too early. This is not a bad thing! It’s proof that the onion is maturing. Leave it as is. You need not cover it with soil because that can actually increase the chance of rotting.
One last concern is bolting. This is the process when the plant begins to flower and it stops maturing. Bolting is a sign that the life cycle is finishing and the plant is trying to go to seed. Cut the flower off and you can either leave the onion in-ground for a few weeks longer or you can harvest it.
Harvesting
You’ll know that your onions are ready for harvest when the tops flop over. This is the bulb telling you that it has finished growing. The leaves will also eventually turn yellow and then brown. Photosynthesis has concluded. Nature is pretty incredible, isn’t it?
Harvest on a dry day and gently pull the bulb up, leaving the tops attached. You’ll want to cure the onions~ leave them in a dry location, in a single layer for a few weeks. This allows the skin on the outside to dry. Once the skin feels crispy or papery, you can trim the tops and roots off and store or use!
Which onions are you going to plant? Drop us a line and let us know!