Onion Seeds
How to Grow Onions
With good soil preparation but little through the season care, onions are a satisfying crop to grow. Onions are picky about certain things, and the soil they call home is one of them. The plant prefers fertile, loose, friable soil that is well drained with lots of organic matter. Sandy looms are just about ideal. Before planting, turn in good amounts of compost or well-rotted manure no matter what kind of soil you have. Growing onions from seeds brow very slow, and need a good head start on the growing season. About 9-12 weeks before the last frost date, sow seeds indoors ¼" deep, ½" apart in flats or in four or six cell pack with 4-5 seeds per cell. Provide bottom heat and keep the soil moist. When seedlings are tall enough for the tops to droop, give the plants a haircut that is 3" above the soil line.
Sowing
Seed Depth: ¼-½" (.65-1.3cm)
Germination soil temperature: 65-85º F (18-29ºC)
Days to Germination: 4-5
Sow indoors: 2 months before last frost.
Sow outdoors: Spring
Growing
pH range: 6.0-7.5
Growing soil temperature: 70-85º F (21-29ºC)
Spacing in beds : 3-4 " if grown like scallions
Watering: Moderate and even
Light: Full sun for best yields, tolerates light shade.
Nutrient requirements: N=moderate, P=moderate, K=moderate
Rotation considerations: Follow squash or lettuce, do not follow any onion family crop or legume.
Good Companions: Beet, cabbage family, carrot, pepper, spinach, strawberry, tomato.
Bad Companions: Asparagus, bean, pea, sage.
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