Best time and method to transplant autumn onions

Autumn onions are usually sown or transplanted in autumn and harvested in the spring or early summer of the following year. Their growth cycle is relatively long. Onions have a certain degree of cold resistance and can grow at lower temperatures, but they also require suitable temperatures to ensure the expansion of the bulbs and yield. Below, the editor will introduce the best time and method for transplanting autumn onions. Let’s take a look.

1. Transplanting time

The best time to transplant onion seedlings is usually in the fall or early spring, but fall transplanting is more common. The time for autumn transplanting is generally from September to late November, and the specific time depends on local climatic conditions.

During this period, the temperature gradually decreases, which is conducive to the growth and acclimatization of onion seedlings. If the onion seedlings are transplanted too early, they may grow too fast due to high temperatures, leading to premature aging in the later stages. If the transplanting time is too late, the survival rate and growth rate of the onion seedlings may be affected due to low temperature.

2. Transplanting method

1. Seedling selection

Before transplanting, you need to screen out weak, diseased and insect-infested seedlings, and select high-quality onion seedlings with green leaves, developed root systems and no diseases or insect pests for transplanting. Such onion seedlings have strong vitality and are easier to adapt to new environments.

2. Land preparation and fertilization

Choose loose, fertile, well-drained soil for transplanting. Before transplanting, the soil should be plowed and an appropriate amount of organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer should be applied to provide sufficient nutrients for the growth of onion seedlings.

3. Dig a hole and plant

Use a small shovel or your fingers to dig a hole in the soil that is slightly larger than the onion seedling's roots. Then gently place the onion seedlings into the hole, being careful not to bury them too deep and allowing the roots to spread out as much as possible. Then lightly compact the soil so that the onion seedlings are firmly combined with the soil.

4. Planting

Dig trenches for the treated onion seedlings with a row spacing of 14-15 cm and a depth of about 5 cm. Plant them 12-13 cm apart and the ideal planting depth is 2-3 cm.

5. Watering management

After transplanting, water thoroughly immediately to make the soil fully moist and help the onion seedlings adapt to the pot as soon as possible. After that, keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged to avoid root rot. During the growth of onion seedlings, water them in time according to weather and soil conditions.

6. Shade and sun protection

Within a few days after transplanting, pay attention to shade and sun protection to avoid direct sunlight that may cause sunburn to the onion seedlings. You can build shade nets or use other shading measures for protection.

7. Weeding and loosening the soil

Weed and loosen the soil regularly to prevent weeds from competing for nutrients and water, while keeping the soil loose and breathable, which is conducive to the growth of onion seedlings.

8. Pest and disease control

Pay attention to the growth of onion seedlings, and detect and prevent diseases and pests in a timely manner. Pesticides can be used for spraying, but attention must be paid to the method and dosage to avoid causing damage to the onion seedlings.

The above is the best time and method for transplanting autumn onions. During the transplanting process, try to keep the original soil ball at the roots of the onion seedlings intact to reduce damage to the root system. When transplanting, the spacing and density of onion seedlings should be controlled to avoid poor ventilation and insufficient light due to overcrowding.