The Best Onion to Plant for YOUR Location!

Introduction

Hey Neighbor! Do you know what onion type is best onion type for your area is? Want to learn how to grow onions from the seeds? Well, you're in luck! In tonight's episode we are doing a deep dive on onions. Be sure to stick around until the end to learn about our new rare onion variety! Let’s Grow Together and Get Dirty!

How to Choose the Best Onion Plant for Your Location? 

Onion production is largely based on the amount of sunlight it receives during the growing process. In order for the bulbs to form properly, enough sunlight is needed for healthy above-ground leaf production. Different varieties require varying hours of sunlight to produce a large, healthy onion crop. Choosing the right onion type for your area is crucial in terms of timing so taking this first step will set you up for a successful harvest.

• Plant in spring for a mid-summer harvest.
• Start bulbing when day length reaches 14-16 hours.

Intermediate Day

• Plant in late winter for an early summer harvest.
• Start bulbing when day length reaches 12-14 hours.

Short Day

• Plant in fall if temps are rarely below 20F.
• Plant in late winter if temps are frequently below 20F.
• Start bulbing when day length reaches 10-12 hours.

Growing Onions from Seed

It is important for you to start your onions indoors or in your greenhouse because onion seeds are so small! We recommend starting in seed trays to help the seedlings stay free from weeds and temperature fluctuations. This also allows you to get a head start on the growing season! Your onion plants will have already germinated and established a root system, making them ready to go into the ground. 

Planting Your Onion Seeds

1. Fill each cell in the trays completely with seed starting mix. 
2. Place seed starting tray on the bottom tray and lightly water, generously moistening the seed starting mix. Repeat 3-4 times until water is dripping from the bottom of the trays. 
3. Make an indentation in the center of each cell. The indentation should be twice as deep as the diameter of the seed. 
4. Place one seed per indentation and lightly cover with perlite. 
5. Place onions in an area with a temperature around 75 degrees. Be sure they receive full sun or place under a grow light. 
6. Fertilize your onions once a week using the Dr. Joe Growing Bubble.
7. Water your onions 2-3 times a day. 
8. Once the seedlings are roughly the diameter of a pencil, they will be ready for transplant. 

Stress the Plant

Once the seedlings reach 3 1/2"-4", trim the tops of the plants about once a week. This will help stress the plant and develop a strong root system to support the plant in its bulbing stage.