When is the best time to plant onions?

Scallion is a widely used seasoning vegetable that can be used in cooking as a condiment to enhance the flavor of food, or eaten raw to provide a unique taste. The growth cycle of onions is relatively short and they are highly adaptable to soil and climate. So when is the best time to plant onions?

When is the best time to plant onions?

Spring is the right time to plant onions. Onions can germinate normally at a temperature of 13℃-20℃, and the suitable temperature for plant growth is 10℃-25℃. Spring sowing can be carried out in March and April, and harvesting can be done in June and July.

Autumn is also suitable for planting onions, and the planting time is generally from September to October. The large temperature difference in autumn is conducive to the absorption of nutrients by the roots of onions. In the southern region, due to the relatively warm climate, there are not many restrictions on planting time, and planting can be carried out almost all year round.

Onion Planting Method

Choose the variety: Choose the appropriate onion variety based on your region and purpose.

Prepare the soil: Onions prefer fertile, well-drained, loose soil. The pH value is best maintained between 6.0-7.0. Organic fertilizers can be mixed into the soil to increase soil fertility.

Seed treatment: Before sowing, soak the onion seeds in warm water for about 15-20 minutes to promote seed water absorption and accelerate germination.

Sowing: Spread the treated seeds evenly on the prepared soil, and then cover with a layer of fine soil about 1-2 cm thick.

Light and temperature: Onions prefer full sun, so make sure the planting location gets plenty of sunlight. The suitable temperature for onion germination is 13℃-20℃.

Transplanting: For onion varieties that need to be transplanted, transplanting can be carried out when the seedlings grow to about 10 cm high. When transplanting, plant 3-5 plants per cluster, and keep the cluster and row spacing at 20-30 cm.

Field management: During the growth period of onions, pay attention to tillage and loosening the soil to promote root development. According to soil moisture and weather conditions, water in time to keep the soil moderately moist.

Fertilization: Onions do not require much fertilizer , but applying appropriate amounts of decomposed organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer can promote the growth of onions.

Pest and disease control: Check the growth of onions regularly to detect and deal with pest and disease problems in a timely manner.

Harvesting: The time from sowing to harvesting of onions is about 60-80 days. When the leaves of the onions are fully grown and the stems are strong, they can be harvested.

Post-harvest management: After harvesting, if you plan to continue planting, you can properly till the soil and apply fertilizer to prepare for the next round of planting.

In summary, spring and autumn are the best times to plant onions. The specific time depends on local climatic conditions. At the same time, attention should be paid to the management of soil, water and temperature to ensure the healthy growth and harvest of onions.