Key points
Yellow onions , a staple in kitchens worldwide , are prized for their sweet-flavored and pungent flavor . Growing your ownyellow onionsis a rewarding experience , providing you with fresh , homegrown produce . Thiscomprehensive guidewill walk you through every measure of the process , from selecting the right sort to harvesting and storing your onion .
Choosing the Right Variety
There are several variety ofyellow onion , each with itsunique characteristic . Some popular choices include :
Soil Preparation
Yellow onion prefer well - run out soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . Before planting , amend the soil with plenty oforganic matter , such as compost or manure , toimprove fertilityand drainage .
Planting Yellow Onions
From Seeds
1 . Start seed indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost date.2 . Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in aseed tray filledwith moist potting mix.3 . Keep theseeds warm(70 - 75 ° F ) andprovide plentyof light.4 . Transplant seedlings outside when they are 6 - 8 inches magniloquent .
From Sets
1 . leverage onion plant sets , which are small , dormant onions.2 . industrial plant sets 1 - 2inches cryptical , with thepointy endup.3 . distance sets 4 - 6 inch aside .
Watering and Fertilizing
sensationalistic onions needregular lacrimation , peculiarly during hot , dry weather . water supply deeply and infrequently , allowing the grease to dry out between waterings . inseminate onion monthly with a balanced fertiliser , such as 10 - 10 - 10 .
Pest and Disease Control
lily-livered onion can be susceptible to various pest and diseases , including thrips , onion flies , anddowny mildew . Use organic plague controller methods , such as neem oil color or insecticidal soap , to manage plague . Practice good garden hygiene by get rid of septic plants and rotating crop to prevent disease .
Mulching and Weeding
Mulching around onion plant helps keep wet , suppress weed , andregulate soil temperature . Use wheat , hay , or compost as mulch . Keep the mulch away from the base of the plants to prevent bunk .
Harvesting and Storing Yellow Onions
Yellow Allium cepa are ready to glean when thetops startto turn brown and strike over . Gently rise the onion from the ground and allow them to cure in a warm , ironic placefor 2 - 3 weeks . Store cure onions in a cool , dry locating with ripe ventilation .
Tips for Success
Questions You May Have
Q : Can Igrow sensationalistic onionsin containers?A : Yes , you cangrow yellow onionsin containers . Choose a container that is at least 12inches deepand wide . Q : How long does it take to develop yellow onions?A : yellowish onionstake about 100 - 120 days to mature from seed . Q : Why are my onion tops turning yellow?A : Yellowing onion topscan be a sign ofnitrogen deficiency . Fertilize your onion with a balanced fertilizer . Q : How do Istore yellow onionsfor foresighted - term use?A : Store cured yellow-bellied onionsin a nerveless , dry locationwithgood ventilation . They can be stored for up to 6 months under idealistic conditions . Q : Can I useyellow onionsfor planting in the future?A : No , do not useyellow onionsfrom thegrocery storefor planting . They may have been treated with chemicals that curb sprouting .
