When to plant onions?

Onion is a perennial herb belonging to the genus Allium of the Liliaceae family. It is usually cultivated as a biennial crop. It has strong cold resistance and can grow in colder climates, but does not like high temperatures. Let’s learn together when to plant onions?

When to plant onions?

Onions prefer cool climates and cannot tolerate heat, so autumn is the best season for planting them. The generally recommended sowing time starts in early September and lasts until October. During this period, the climate in most areas has become cooler, which is suitable for the germination and growth of onions.

For the southern regions with a warm climate, the sowing time can be appropriately delayed, but the temperature should be avoided from exceeding 30°C to avoid affecting seed germination.

Onion sowing method

1. Preparation before sowing

Before sowing, you should apply enough base fertilizer and then plow the land to ensure that the soil is loose and flat for easy sowing. Because there is a waxy layer on the surface of onion seeds , they need to be soaked in warm water at about 40°C for 3-4 hours before sowing. Then gently rub the seeds with your hands to remove the waxy layer. Place them in a cool place to dry slightly before sowing.

The seeding method can be either drill or broadcast, but drill is the most common. Sow seeds in shallow furrows with a row spacing of about 10 cm. After watering thoroughly, spread the seeds evenly. Cover with a thin layer of soil or fine sand and compact lightly to keep the soil moist. Generally, the seeds will germinate 5-6 days after sowing.

2. Transplanting and planting

When the onion seedlings grow to about 15 cm in height, they can be transplanted, which is usually done in October, about a month after sowing. Before transplanting, make sure to apply enough base fertilizer, and water thoroughly once after transplanting. If conditions permit, the ground can be covered after transplanting to keep warm, retain moisture and inhibit weed growth.

In northern areas, weeds can be covered on the ground in winter to increase the insulation effect and help onions survive the winter safely.

The above is an introduction to the planting time and sowing techniques of onions. Before planting onions, knowing this knowledge in advance can effectively improve the growth quality and yield of onions.