How to Plant Yellow Onions: StepbyStep Guide

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Choosing The Right Type Of Onions For Your Region

Onions, those versatile bulbs that add flavor and depth to our culinary creations, are a cold-hardy crop that thrives in the zone 3 gardening climate of Canada and other parts of the northern hemisphere. Belonging to the allium family, these pungent vegetables not only offer us an array of culinary possibilities but also bring many benefits to the garden.

Onions can act as companions to numerous plants, serving as a natural pest deterrent. These unique characteristics make the growing of onions an appealing endeavor for many gardeners, including myself.

However, I must confess that I struggled for many years to grow onions successfully. It wasn’t until I began researching and learning from my mistakes that I finally achieved consistent success. In retrospect, there were three major blunders I made when planting onions that hindered their growth and productivity.

First, I failed to choose the right type of onions for my specific region. Second, I often planted too late in the spring, missing the optimum window of opportunity for their growth. And lastly, I consistently planted the bulbs too deep in the soil, hindering their access to essential resources.

Planting Onions: Common Mistakes To Avoid

Choosing the wrong type of onions for your region can significantly affect their growth and yield. Onions are photothermic, meaning they require specific hours of daylight to reach their full potential. There are three types of onions: the long day, intermediate day, and short day onions. For regions such as Canada and other northern areas, long day or intermediate day onions are your best bet. Long day onions necessitate 14 to 16 hours of daylight to mature. By planting onions as soon as the soil is workable and the night temperatures are warmer than -6°C (20°F), they can take maximum advantage of the available long days.

To ensure successful onion growth, it is crucial to start with high-quality onion sets or seeds. In northern climates, it is advisable to choose onion sets or seeds that belong to long day or intermediate day varieties. Some long day onion varieties that perform exceptionally well in the northern regions include ‘Yellow Globe,’ ‘Alisa Craig Exhibition,’ and ‘Walla Walla Sweet.’ These cultivars are known for their larger size and outstanding flavor.

When it comes to planting onions, it is essential to consider their cold hardiness. Onions are remarkably tolerant of light to medium frost, withstanding temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F). Therefore, planting onions outdoors up to four weeks before the last expected frost can result in larger, more robust onions. However, it is crucial to avoid planting them too early or in overly wet soil, as this can lead to rotting or stunted growth.

Another common mistake to avoid is planting the onions too deep in the soil. The bulb portion of the onion is a tunicated bulb that stores food, and it should be planted no deeper than one inch beneath the soil’s surface. Planting them deeper than necessary can impede their access to sufficient oxygen and moisture, hindering their growth and development.

To summarize:

• Choose long day or intermediate day onions for northern regions.
• Start with high-quality onion sets or seeds.
• Plant onions up to four weeks before the last expected frost.
• Avoid planting too early or in overly wet soil.
• Plant the onion bulbs no deeper than one inch beneath the soil’s surface.

Understanding The Daylength Requirements Of Onions

As mentioned earlier, onions are photothermic and require specific daylengths to grow optimally. Long day and intermediate day onions, the most suitable varieties for northern regions, necessitate 14 to 16 hours of daylight to mature. Therefore, it is crucial to choose onion varieties that align with your region’s daylength conditions.

To take full advantage of the long days, it is best to plant onions as soon as the soil is workable and the night temperatures are consistently warmer than -6°C (20°F). By planting at the right time, you give your onions the opportunity to receive the maximum hours of daylight required for their growth and development. Be sure to consult a local gardening calendar or consult with experienced gardeners in your area for more precise timing information.

Here are some key points to remember:

• Onions are photothermic and require specific daylengths for optimal growth.
• Long day and intermediate day onions are ideal for northern regions.
• 14 to 16 hours of daylight are needed for these onions to mature.
• Choose onion varieties that match your region’s daylength conditions.
• Plant onions when the soil is workable and night temperatures stay above -6°C (20°F).
• Consult local gardening calendars or experienced gardeners for precise timing information.

Remember to plant your onions at the right time to maximize their growth potential.

Tips For Starting Onion Seeds Indoors

Starting onion seeds indoors is an excellent method to ensure a successful onion crop. This approach allows for close planting in small containers and enables easy transplantation of the seedlings without damaging the delicate roots. To begin the process, it is crucial to start onion seeds indoors around ten weeks before the last hard frost, generally in mid-January for those planning to plant onion starts outdoors in April.

When starting onion seeds indoors, it is important to choose fresh, high-quality seeds. Onion seed germination rates decrease with age, so be sure to use seeds that are no more than one to two years old. This will ensure the highest possible germination rates and give your onions the best chance of success.

Plant the onion seeds in small containers, approximately two seeds per cell, and provide consistent moisture and warmth. Onion seeds should germinate within 7 to 10 days, but be patient as they may take longer in cooler temperatures. Trim the onion seedlings to keep them around 2 to 4 inches in height until they are ready to be transplanted outdoors.

– Choose fresh, high-quality seeds
– Plant onion seeds in small containers
– Provide consistent moisture and warmth
– Trim onion seedlings to keep them around 2 to 4 inches in height

Planting Onions Outdoors: Timing And Depth

To ensure a successful outdoor planting of onions, it is crucial to choose a suitable location. Onions thrive in full sun, so find a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Additionally, onions prefer loose, well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve drainage.

When planting onions outdoors, it is essential to adhere to the correct spacing and planting depth. Plant each onion 6 inches apart and only 1 inch deep, with the root end facing down. This planting depth ensures that the bulbs have proper access to sunlight and moisture while giving them room to grow and expand.

After planting, be sure to water the onions immediately to settle the soil around the roots. Water regularly throughout the growing season to ensure they receive adequate moisture. However, be cautious not to overwater, as this can lead to rotting and fungal diseases.

Harvesting And Storing Onions For Long-Term Use

Harvesting onions at the right time is crucial for optimum flavor and storage life. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

• Timing: Harvest the onions a week or two after the tops start to turn yellow and fall down, and before the first fall frost. This is when the bulbs will have reached their full development.
• Bulb development: In the final weeks before harvesting, allow the tops of the onion bulbs to emerge from the soil. This process facilitates bulb development and improves storage life.
• Watering: Refrain from watering the onions for three days prior to harvesting. This helps in better storage as it allows the onions to dry out before storing.
• Curing: After harvesting, it is important to cure the onions. Spread them out in a dry location in a single layer for up to three weeks. This curing process allows the outer layers of the bulbs to dry and form a protective layer, extending their storage life.
• Trimming: Before storage, trim the roots and tops of the onions to approximately 1 inch. This helps in maintaining the freshness of the onions.
• Storage: Store the onions in a cool, dark place. Ideally, store them in single layers to prevent moisture build-up and rotting. If you need to store multiple layers, separate them with paper towel or wood shavings to absorb excess moisture.

Remember, following these steps will help ensure that your onions remain flavorful and have a longer storage life.

Note: Bullet points added for clarity.

Companion Planting With Onions

As mentioned earlier, onions can act as a natural pest deterrent when planted alongside certain plants. Some excellent companion plants for onions include:

• Beets
• Brassicas
• Chamomile
• Cucumbers
• Dill
• Kale
• Leeks
• Peppers
• Potatoes
• Summer savory
• Spinach
• Squash
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes

These plants can benefit from the pest-repellent properties of onions while also providing some level of shade and moisture regulation to the onion bulbs.

On the other hand, it is crucial to avoid planting onions near asparagus, peas, and beans. These plants inhibit the growth of onions and can lead to reduced yields.

In conclusion, successful onion planting requires careful consideration of the right type of onions for your region, proper timing, and planting techniques. By understanding the daylength requirements, starting seeds indoors, and planting at the appropriate depth, you can ensure the best possible outcome for your onion crop. Harvesting and storing the onions correctly is equally important to maximize their quality and longevity. With these tips in mind, you can confidently embark on your journey to grow delicious yellow onions and enjoy their flavors in your culinary endeavors for months to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do yellow onions take to grow?

Yellow onions typically take around 90-100 days to grow from seed, which is roughly four months. However, if grown from sets, they can be harvested in approximately 80 days, which is slightly less than three months. Whether you choose to cultivate them from seed or sets, you can expect to enjoy the fruits of your labor after a few months of patient nurturing.

Can you regrow yellow onions?

Yes, yellow onions can indeed be regrown. To do so, simply plant the onion scraps in soil, either in a small pot by a sunny window or directly in your garden. Unlike regrowing scallions, this method only requires planting the onion scraps and allowing them to regrow on their own. With a little effort and patience, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh yellow onions in your kitchen or garden.

How many onions grow from one bulb?

When it comes to growing onions from bulbs, the number of onions that sprout from one bulb depends on the size of the bulb and how it is planted. Generally, if you plant the bulb closer together, such as 2 inches apart, you can expect to harvest scallions or green onions from each bulb. However, if the bulbs are planted further apart, like 4-6 inches, they will have enough space to grow into full-sized cooking onions, resulting in one onion per bulb. So, the number of onions that grow from one bulb can vary based on the spacing and desired maturity of the onions.

Can you grow an onion from an onion?

Yes, it is indeed possible to grow an onion from another onion. Instead of relying on seeds, you can simply chop the bottom part of an onion and plant it in soil. This cutting can then sprout roots, absorb water, and eventually develop into a full-grown onion. It requires time, patience, adequate watering, and approximately 90-120 days to witness the complete growth cycle.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4