Basics

Ease of Growing
Moderate
Grown as
Biennial
Days to Maturity
90-120 (Spring/Summer), 210-240 (Fall/Winter)
Growing Habit
-
Hardiness
Hardy

Onions are very hardy and can be frost tolerant.

Crops
Spring Transplant, Spring, Fall Transplant, Fall
Growing Season
Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Cold, Cool, Warm, Long days

Correct timing is important with bulb onions, if you don't plant them at the right time they won't do very well. The best onions are grown from transplants set out in October or November and wintered over to mature in June and July. Plant transplants right away, if possible. Transplants are happy if you apply a light mulch to help conserve moisture for uniform growth.

Outdoor Growing Temp
55°F - 80°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
50°F

Onion seed takes a month to germinate at 40 degrees, but only 2 weeks at 50 degrees, so you don't necessarily lose much time by waiting until the soil has warmed up a little.

Start Indoors
Yes
Start Outdoors
Yes
Light
Water
Moderate

Onions are quite drought tolerant, but a lack of water makes the bulb smaller and more pungent. For best flavor and largest bulbs you must keep the soil moist at all times, so there is no interruption in growth.

Feeder
Light

Low nitrogen. Moderate potassium. Moderate phosphorous.

Onions don't need a lot of nitrogen, but they do like potassium and phosphorus.

Suitability
Drought tolerant, Tolerates light frost
Small Gardens?
Yes
Containers?
Yes

Onions can be grown easily in containers. Make sure they have good drainage and the pot is at least 12" deep. Fill with a mixture of potting soil and compost, and water thoroughly. Make sure that your onions have access to plenty of sunshine. Keep the soil moist.

Attracts beneficial insects?
No
Color
Deep red
Fruit Size
- "
Plant Height
24.0 - 36.0"
Plant Diameter
2.0 - 4.0"
Hardiness Zone
3-11
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile

Very pungent.

Rotation Group
Roots: Alliums + Umbeliferae