Yes, onions can be grown from seeds. In fact, growing onions from seeds can give you a wider variety of onion types to choose from than if you were to plant onion sets or bulbs.
When it comes to choosing a variety of onions to grow, you’ll want to consider whether you want a sweet onion or a more pungent variety. Some popular sweet onion varieties include:
- Walla Walla
- Vidalia
while pungent varieties include:
- Red Baron
- Yellow Globe
Step-by-Step Procedures on How to Grow Onions From Seeds
Growing onions from seeds may take a little more time and effort than planting onion sets or bulbs, but it can be a rewarding experience and give you a wider variety of onion types to choose from.
Here are some tips to help you successfully grow different varieties:
Choose the right varieties:
As mentioned earlier, there are many different varieties of onions to choose from, each with its own unique flavor profile.
Make sure to choose varieties that will grow well in your climate and soil type.
Start seeds indoors:
Onions can take a while to germinate, so it’s best to start them indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost in your area.
You can use separate containers for each variety or sow them together in the same container.
Label your containers:
It’s important to keep track of which variety is which, so make sure to label each container with the variety name and date of planting.
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Provide the right growing conditions:
Onions like full sun and well-draining soil. Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Provide plenty of light and maintain a consistent temperature of around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Transplant seedlings outdoors:
After about 4 to 6 weeks, your onion seedlings should be ready to transplant outdoors. Choose a spot in your garden that gets full sun and has well-draining soil.
Dig a shallow trench about 2 inches deep and transplant your seedlings, spacing them about 4 to 6 inches apart.
Maintain the right growing conditions:
As your onion plants grow, make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilize your plants with a balanced fertilizer about once a month.
Harvest and store your onions:
When it comes time to harvest your onions, you’ll know they’re ready when the tops begin to turn yellow and fall over.
Gently dig up the onions, being careful not to damage them. Let them dry in a warm, dry place for a few weeks before storing them in a cool, dry place.
Different Ways of Growing Different Varieties of Onions From Seeds
Yellow Onions:
Yellow onions are the most commonly grown onions and have a pungent flavor.
- Easy to grow from seeds, can be sown directly in the ground or started indoors and transplanted.
- Plant seeds about ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart.
- Thin the seedlings to about 4 to 6 inches apart.
Red Onions:
Red onions have a sweeter, milder flavor than yellow onions and are often used in salads and sandwiches.
- They can be grown from seed the same way as yellow onions, but need a longer growing season.
- Start indoors about 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
White Onions:
White onions have a milder flavor than yellow onions and are often used in Mexican and Asian cuisine.
- They can be grown from seed the same way as yellow onions, but need a longer growing season.
- Start them indoors about 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
Sweet Onions:
Sweet onions, such as Walla Walla and Vidalia, have a mild, sweet flavor and are often eaten raw.
- They can be grown from seed the same way as yellow onions, but they require a longer growing season.
- Start indoors about 12 to 14 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
Shallots:
Shallots have a mild, sweet flavor and are often used in French cuisine.
- They can be grown from seed or from sets, which are small onion bulbs.
- To grow shallots from seed, start them indoors about 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
- Transplant them outdoors when the soil has warmed up in the spring.
No matter which variety of onions you choose to grow, the basic steps for growing them from seeds are the same.
Start seeds indoors, transplant seedlings outdoors, provide plenty of light and water, and harvest when the tops start to turn yellow and fall over.
With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of homegrown onions!
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Key Takeaway
- Choose a sweet or pungent variety of onion to grow
- Sow onion seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost
- Use a seed starting mix and sow seeds ¼ inch deep, keeping the soil consistently moist
- Germination should take 7-10 days
- Provide plenty of light and a consistent temperature of around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors after 4-6 weeks
- Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil and space seedlings 4-6 inches apart
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged, fertilize once a month
- Harvest onions when tops turn yellow and fall over
- Let onions dry in a warm, dry place for a few weeks before storing them in a cool, dry place
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