When is the best time to plant onions in the north?

Green onions are widely grown in China, especially in northern China, such as Shandong, Liaoning, Hebei and other provinces. Due to the unique climatic conditions and soil types, they are very suitable for the growth of green onions. So when is the best time to plant onions in the north? Let’s learn more about it below.

When is the best time to plant onions in the north?

The best season for sowing onions in northern regions is spring, which is around the end of March to the beginning of April. The onions sown during this period have a moderate growth rate and are suitable for growing in warm climate conditions. The onions sown in spring can generally be harvested within 90-120 days after planting. Of course, autumn sowing can also be carried out, which usually takes place from late August to early September.

Environmental requirements for growing green onions in the north

1. Soil

Green onions are suitable for planting in loam with a pH value of 6.5-7.5. The soil should be fertile and loose, with good drainage and sufficient bottom moisture to facilitate root development and nutrient absorption.

2. Temperature

Scallions are cold-resistant and heat-resistant and have a wide adaptability. The seeds will start to germinate at 4℃-5℃, and the optimum growth temperature is 20℃-25℃. When the temperature exceeds 35℃, the plant grows slowly and some outer leaves may wither.

3. Lighting

Green onions are short-day crops with moderate light requirements, and about 6 hours of light per day is enough. Strong light is not required, otherwise it will cause the plant's leaf fibers to increase and the leaves to age.

4. Moisture

The leaves of green onions have a certain degree of drought resistance, but the roots like moisture and need to maintain a high level of soil humidity. However, the roots of green onions are shallow and cannot tolerate waterlogging, so when managing watering, care must be taken to avoid root diseases caused by waterlogging.

5. Nutrients

Scallions like fertilizer and require a balanced application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. More nitrogen fertilizer is needed in the early stage of growth, while more phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are needed in the later stage. Special attention should be paid to the application of phosphorus fertilizer. Lack of phosphorus fertilizer will lead to poor plant growth and decreased yield.

6. Weather

It is best to plant green onion seedlings when the weather is cloudy and rainless or on a sunny afternoon. If onion seedlings are planted in an environment of high temperature and strong light at noon, it is easy for the seedlings to become excessively dehydrated and wilted after planting, affecting their slow survival.

In general, when planting green onions in the north, the sowing and transplanting time should be reasonably arranged according to local climate characteristics and soil conditions, but it is generally recommended to plant in spring or autumn. In addition, attention should also be paid to environmental regulation during the planting period, such as light, temperature, water, etc., to ensure the healthy growth and high yield of onions.