How and when to grow onions

Onion is a common vegetable in our daily life. Due to the high market demand, the planting area of ​​onion is also very wide. It is planted in both the north and south of China. It has a wide range of adaptability to temperature and prefers coolness but cannot tolerate heat. Let’s talk about the cultivation method and time.

1. Onion planting season

Generally speaking, the planting time of onions can be divided into three seasons: spring, summer and autumn, but the specific planting time of each season needs to be determined in combination with local climatic conditions and planting habits.

1. Planting in spring: Spring is one of the important seasons for onion growth, and is especially suitable for onion varieties with strong cold resistance. In most areas, spring planting time for alliums is usually between March and April. At this time, the temperature gradually rises and the soil begins to thaw, which is conducive to the germination and growth of onions. However, it should be noted that when planting onions in spring, it is necessary to avoid sowing too early to prevent adverse weather such as late spring cold weather from affecting the survival of the onion seedlings.

2. Summer planting: Relatively less onions are planted in summer because the high temperature and high humidity environment is not conducive to the growth and quality formation of onions. However, in some areas with cooler climates and moderate humidity, summer planting can also be carried out between June and July. Onions planted in summer need special attention to water management and disease and pest control to ensure the healthy growth of the onion plants.

3. Autumn planting: Autumn is one of the main seasons for onion planting, especially suitable for the planting of green onions . Green onions prefer cool climatic conditions, so planting them in autumn can produce higher yields and quality. In most areas, fall planting time for alliums is usually between August and October. The temperature is moderate and there is less rain at this time, which is conducive to the development of the onion's root system and the growth of the onion's white part.

2. Determination of specific planting time

In addition to considering seasonal factors, the specific time for planting onions must be determined in combination with local climatic conditions and planting habits. For example, in the northern region, since the spring temperature rises slowly and unfavorable weather conditions such as late spring cold are prone to occur, the time for planting onions in spring can be appropriately postponed to mid-to-late April or later; while in the southern region, since the spring temperature rises quickly and there is abundant rainfall, the time for planting onions in spring can be appropriately advanced to early or mid-March.

In addition, growers also need to comprehensively consider the choice of planting time based on factors such as soil conditions, variety characteristics and market demand. For example, planting onions in fertile soil and well-drained land can produce higher yields and quality; and choosing onion varieties that are cold-resistant, disease-resistant, and high-yield can also help improve planting benefits.

3. Preparation before planting

After determining the planting time, growers also need to make preparations before planting. This includes site selection and preparation, fertilization and pesticide application, and selection of healthy onion seeds. First of all, you should choose deep, well-drained, fertile and loose soil for planting; secondly, you should apply appropriate fertilizer according to the soil fertility to provide sufficient nutrition; finally, you should choose healthy, disease- and pest-free onion seeds for sowing or transplanting.

4. Management after planting

Post-planting management is the key to ensuring that onions grow healthily, have high yields and good quality. This includes water management, fertilizer management, pest and disease control, and intertillage and weeding. In terms of water management, timely watering should be carried out according to the growth needs of the onions and soil moisture; in terms of fertilization management, reasonable fertilizer should be applied according to the growth stage of the onions and soil fertility; in terms of disease and pest control, an integrated prevention and control strategy should be adopted to reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests; in terms of inter-row cultivation and weeding, weeds should be removed in time to reduce nutrient competition and improve ventilation and light conditions.

To sum up, the planting time of onions varies according to region, climate and planting habits. After determining the planting time, it is also necessary to do a good job of pre-planting preparations and post-planting management to ensure the healthy growth of the onions and improve the yield and quality.