How to Start Onion Seeds: A Beginner’s Guide
How to Start Onion Seeds?
To start onion seeds, fill a container with seed starting mix and make two 1/2-inch deep furrows for the seeds.
Sprinkle the onion seeds into the furrows and lightly cover them with more soil mix.
Keep the container in a warm place until the onion seeds germinate.
Once the onion seeds germinate, keep the young plants in a sunny south window.
In late April or early May, make a furrow in the garden for transplanting the seedlings.
Gently separate groups of four seedlings and transplant them into the prepared furrow, covering the exposed roots immediately with soil.
Keep the onion plot weeded and watered throughout the growing season.
Key Points:
- Fill a container with seed starting mix and create furrows for the onion seeds
- Sprinkle the onion seeds into the furrows and cover them with more soil mix
- Keep the container in a warm place until the onion seeds germinate
- Move the germinated onion seeds to a sunny south window
- In late April or early May, transplant the seedlings into a garden furrow
- Keep the onion plot weeded and watered during the growing season
Did You Know?
1. Onion seeds are actually tiny bulbs: Contrary to popular belief, onion seeds are not true seeds but rather small bulbs called primordia. These bulb-like structures contain all the genetic material necessary to sprout and grow into a mature onion plant.
2. Onions have been cultivated for over 5,000 years: Dating back to ancient times, onion cultivation can be traced back over 5,000 years. The Allium vegetable has a rich history and is believed to have originated in Central Asia before spreading to different parts of the world.
3. Onion seeds can remain viable for up to two years: If stored properly, onion seeds can remain viable for up to two years. This means that you can save and use the seeds from one year’s harvest to successfully germinate onions in the following year.
4. Onions come in a variety of colors: While most people are familiar with the common brown or yellow onions found in grocery stores, onions actually come in a wide range of colors. From red and purple to white and even green, the diverse hues of onions contribute to their appeal in different culinary dishes.
5. Onions are a natural insect repellent: Onions contain certain compounds that act as a natural insect repellent. Placing sliced onions around your garden can help repel pests like aphids and slugs, keeping your plants protected in a chemical-free way.
Purchasing And Planting Onion Sets
One way to grow onions is by planting “sets” in the spring. These sets can be purchased from seed catalogs, garden centers, and hardware stores. In late April or early May, plant small bulbs about an inch deep in the garden, with four bulbs together, touching each other, and each bunch of four onion sets about 6 inches apart within rows. This method simplifies planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting. However, starting onions from seeds indoors allows for a wider selection of varieties and is the preferred method for many home gardeners.
Starting Onions From Seeds Indoors
Starting onions from seeds is a great way to have a greater variety of onion cultivars to choose from. Seeds can be sown indoors in February or early March to give your onions a head start. To start onion seedlings indoors, follow these steps:
- Fill a container with a seed starting mix.
- Create two 1/2-inch deep furrows for the seeds.
- Sprinkle the onion seeds into the furrows.
- Lightly cover the seeds with more soil mix.
- Label the container with the name of the onion variety.
- Keep the container in a warm place until the seeds germinate.
Once the onion seeds germinate, it is important to provide the young plants with sufficient light. Keep them in a sunny south window or under grow lights. This will help ensure that the seedlings grow healthy and strong.
In late April or early May, prepare a furrow in the garden for transplanting the seedlings. Here’s how to transplant the onions:
- Gently separate groups of four seedlings.
- Transplant the seedlings into the prepared furrow.
- Cover the exposed roots immediately with soil.
Transplanting onions in groups of four makes weeding easier and allows for proper growth and spacing.
Note: Starting onions from seeds indoors and transplanting them into the garden can result in a greater variety of onions and healthier plants. Ensure that the seedlings receive adequate light and maintain proper spacing for optimal growth.
Recommended Onion Varieties And Their Yield
When starting onions from seeds, it is essential to choose the right varieties. Some popular sweet cultivars that can be grown from seeds include ‘Ailsa Craig’ and ‘Walla Walla’. ‘Ailsa Craig’ seed is known for its high yield, as 3 1/2 ounces of seed yielded 8,000 pounds of onions on 0.4 acres. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a hybrid that stores well, ‘Copra’ is a great choice. For those who prefer red onions that store into April, ‘Marsi’ is an excellent hybrid to consider. These varieties offer a wide range of flavors and characteristics to suit different tastes and needs.
- ‘Ailsa Craig’: high yield of 8,000 pounds of onions on 0.4 acres
- ‘Walla Walla’: popular sweet cultivar
- ‘Copra’: hybrid that stores well
- ‘Marsi’: red onion variety that stores into April
Some popular sweet onion varieties to consider when starting from seeds are ‘Ailsa Craig’ and ‘Walla Walla’. For a high yield, ‘Ailsa Craig’ is known to produce 8,000 pounds of onions on 0.4 acres from just 3 1/2 ounces of seed. If you prefer a hybrid that stores well, ‘Copra’ is a great choice. And if you want red onions that can be stored until April, ‘Marsi’ is an excellent option. These varieties offer diverse flavors and characteristics to meet different preferences and needs.
Transplanting Onions From Indoors To The Garden
Transplanting onion seedlings from indoors to the garden is a crucial step to ensure their success. In late April or early May, prepare a furrow in the garden for the seedlings. Gently separate groups of four seedlings and transplant them into the furrow, spacing them about 6 inches apart. It’s important to cover the exposed roots immediately with soil to protect them from drying out. By transplanting the onions in groups of four, you simplify the planting process and make it easier to maintain the garden.
Tips For Growing And Maintaining Onions
Now that your onions are in the garden, it’s important to provide them with proper care throughout the growing season. Onions do not compete well with weeds, so it’s essential to keep the onion plot weeded. Remove weeds when they are small to prevent them from competing for nutrients and water. Onions also require regular watering to ensure they stay hydrated. Water the plants consistently, especially during dry periods.
Determining Planting Quantity Based On Consumption
When planning your onion garden, it’s important to consider your consumption. Determine how many onions you eat in a year to determine the planting quantity. For instance, if you eat one onion a day, consider planting 400 seedlings or sets, which will take up around 50 row feet of garden space. If you eat two onions a week, planting a little over 100 seedlings or sets should be sufficient. By taking your consumption into account, you can ensure you have enough onions to enjoy throughout the year.
Starting your own onions from seeds is not only a great way to “think spring” in February but also offers a large return on investment come midsummer. With the right varieties, proper care, and attention to quantity, you can grow an abundant supply of onions that will add flavor and freshness to your meals. So get started on your onion-growing journey and experience the satisfaction of harvesting your own homegrown onions!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you germinate onion seeds?
To germinate onion seeds, begin with fresh seeds and seed starting mix. Apply gentle bottom heat to encourage seed growth. Once sprouts emerge, remove the seed husks and provide ample lighting, ensuring the plants receive maximum light. As the seedlings grow, trim back the leaves and wait for the third leaf to appear before transplanting. After transplantation, continue to provide optimal light and protective measures from chilling.
Should onion seeds be soaked before planting?
Soaking onion seeds before planting can greatly benefit their growth. By pre-soaking, the seeds absorb water, which softens the outer seed coat and allows for faster germination. This process not only accelerates the growth of onion plants but also makes handling the seeds easier. Whether soaked for a short duration or a longer period of time, the choice of using plain water, compost tea, or Superthrive is up to individual preference. Regardless of the method chosen, it is essential to drain and pat dry the seeds just before planting.
How onion seeds are formed?
Onion seeds are formed through the process of flowering. When planted in the appropriate environmental conditions, onion plants develop flower inflorescences that eventually form an umbel. These umbels contain numerous seeds, ranging from several dozen to several hundred, which are responsible for the reproduction of the onion plant. The seeds are produced from late July to September when using the seed-to-seed method or from September to October when using the bulb-to-seed method. It is through this reproductive process that onion plants generate seeds for future cultivation.
Can you sow onion seeds directly?
Yes, onion seeds can be sown directly in the garden. While some gardeners choose to start them indoors to speed up germination and improve the success rate, onions can still be directly sown in the soil as soon as it is workable in the spring. However, it’s important to note that onion germination can be a bit slow and uneven, so starting them indoors might still be preferable for those who want to ensure a bountiful harvest. Ultimately, the choice between sowing onion seeds directly or starting them indoors will depend on the gardener’s preferences and the specific conditions of their garden.