Welcome to your Onion Sets Planting and Care Guide! This guide provides everything you need to know about planting, storing, and caring for your onion sets. Upon receiving your sets, remove them from packaging and prepare them for planting to ensure they stay healthy. Whether you’re planting them directly in the ground, raised beds, or containers, this guide will help you grow a strong, productive onion crop.
Planting
In-Ground, Raised Beds, or Containers
Soil Preparation: Onions thrive in loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Mixing compost into the soil before planting helps provide essential nutrients.
Planting Depth: Plant onion sets about 1 inch deep, just enough to cover the root end but with the pointed top still visible.
In-Ground or Raised Beds: Space onion sets 3-4 inches apart in rows, with rows about 12-18 inches apart.
Containers: Select a container at least 10-12 inches deep with good drainage holes. Space onion sets 3-4 inches apart within the container, as they need room for bulbs to develop.
- Prepare soil by loosening it to a depth of 8-10 inches, incorporating compost or other organic matter.
- Plant each set with the root side down and the pointed end up, covering just enough to hold them in place.
- Water thoroughly to help the soil settle around the sets.
Temporary Storage Tips
Cool, Dry Storage: Store onion sets in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area until planting. Avoid moist or humid environments, as excess moisture can cause rotting.
Air Circulation: Keep sets in a breathable bag, such as mesh or paper, to allow airflow and prevent sprouting before planting.
Basic Care & harvesting
- Sunlight: Onions require full sun, receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal bulb development.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Onions prefer even moisture, so water regularly, especially in dry conditions.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again mid-season to encourage bulb growth. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, as these can promote excessive foliage over bulbs.
- Mulching: A light layer of mulch around the plants can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect bulbs as they grow.
Harvesting Tips
- Timing: Onions are usually ready to harvest when the tops begin to yellow and fall over, typically 90-120 days after planting.
- How to Harvest: Gently pull or lift the onions from the soil, then lay them out in a warm, dry area to cure for about a week. Once cured, trim the tops and roots before storage.