Allium cepa

Cultivation

Use seedlings that can be cultivated from a bulb, or sow to their regular spot in the garden in early spring.

Distance between plants

At least 30 cm (12 in) between rows and at least 10 cm (4 in) between the plants in a row. To grow young onions, plant them in line one beside the other.

Location

Sunny.

Amount

Approximately 15 plants per person.

Time of planting

Plant for seedlings in January; the seeds outside at the end of March (when the soil reaches at least 3 °C / 37 °F), and the bulbs end of April. Sow the seeds of winter varieties in August and the bulbs end of September. Onions grow at min. 7 °C (44 °F), optimum temperatures being around 20 °C (68 °F). They germinate in two to three weeks.

Fertilization

Do not fertilize. Keep the soil soft.

Watering

Onions need a lot of moisture when they are getting thick. Water twice a week to 15 cm (6 in) deep. Use organic mulch.

Onion’s good neighbors

Zucchini, kohlrabi, carrots, parsley, cucumbers, tomato, parsnip, beetroot, lettuce, strawberries, anis, dill, chamomile, potato, radicchio.

Onion’s bad neighbors

Beans, peas, broad beans, chickpea, Brussels sprout, cauliflower, black radish, chives, garlic, leek, Chinese cabbage, Savoy cabbage, cabbage.

Diseases and pests

Onion fly, thrips. Set adhesive fly boards near and when the first flies get caught, cover the onions tightly (with arches above the plants). Keep the soil soft and the right distance between rows. Do not plant in the same place for at least five years. Do not fertilize with nitrogen or barn manure.

Onion’s storage

When the first leaves lay down and the onion stem gets soft, it is the right time for storage. Pull the onions out together with leaves, bind into bunches and dry. Store in a dry place, put in net bags or hang.

Food

The bulbs. The bulbs and the roots of young onions. They contain a lot of essential oils and antioxidants.

Important

Onions depend on the length of the day – in short days they develop roots; in long days leaves are forming. Therefore, the last date for planting is end of March.

Miscellaneous

Onion decreases blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and clears the blood. It is the basic ingredient of many dishes. The peels can be used as a natural coloring for Easter eggs.