Onion Growing Guide

Allium cepa

Crop Rotation Group

Allium (Onion family) ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost.

Position

Sun or partial shade.

Frost tolerant

Yes.

Feeding

Not normally required, though overwintered sets can be given a liquid feed in spring.

Spacing

Single Plants: 15cm (5") each way (minimum)
Rows: 10cm (3") with 20cm (7") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Start seeds in pots under cover in late winter before planting out in mid-spring, or grow from purchased sets (immature bulbs) planted in mid-spring.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Japanese variety onion sets can be used to give an early harvest. Onion sets are also the better choice for heavier or wetter soils.

Harvesting

Harvest as soon as they reach a reasonable size. If storing them, wait until the tops start to die down and dry for about 10 days.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Onion

Allium Leaf Miner

Aphids (General)

Millipede

Onion Root Fly

Slug

Snail

Plant Diseases which Affect Onion

Allium White Rot

Onion Downy Mildew

Onion Fusarium Basal Rot