Description

Onion, a vegetable originally from the Eastern Mediterranean, has been one of the most popular culinary additions around the world. Widely regarded as a staple food during the Middle Ages, the bulbs were used to pay house rent and for treating many health conditions. Nowadays, onion is found in cupboards and cuisines across the globe, and it has also been recognized as a source of medicinal benefits.

Onions require full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Sandy loam soils are ideal; in heavier soils, use raised beds or raised rows to promote soil drainage.

DIRECT SEEDING:In April or early May, or as soon as the soil can be prepared in early spring, sow in a 2" wide band, about 2 seeds/in., 1/4– 1/2" deep, rows 12–18" apart. Thin to 1 1/2–2" apart for highest yields in fertile soil. Thin to 3-4" apart for larger onions.

TRANSPLANTING:In short-season areas, sow seeds indoors in flats in late February to mid-March. Broadcast 1/2" apart and cover 1/4". Tops may be clipped to 5" tall. Transplant to the garden 4" apart, or sow 5 seeds in each cell of 1–1 1/2" diameter plug trays, thinning to 3 per cell. Transplant each cell 6" apart.

CULTIVATION:Keep onions well weeded with shallow cultivation.

WATER:Onions are shallow rooted and grow best with at least 1" per week of rain or irrigation, especially during the bulbing phase.

DISEASES:Adequate air circulation and crop rotation aids in reducing the risk of foliar disease.

HARVEST:When necks become soft and tops are falling over, pull and sun-cure at least 2–7 days, depending on weather. Move to a protected location to finish drying.

STORAGE:When dry, clip off tops and roots and store in onion bags or shallow boxes at near freezing and 65–70% humidity.

DAY LENGTH:Onion bulbing is triggered by day length, and maximum day length during the growing season increases from south to north. Short-day onions are grown at lower latitudes in the south, while intermediate and long-day onions are grown at higher latitudes. Refer to "Adaptation" in each variety description for details.