SafePlants

Growing Onions: A Gardener's Delight

Onions (Allium cepa L.) are a popular and rewarding crop for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Their ease of cultivation and versatility in the kitchen make them a staple in many home gardens.

Considerations for Pets

• This text does not explicitly mention toxicity, it is worth noting that onions belong to the Allium family which are known to be potentially harmful to pets if ingested in significant quantities. Consult with a veterinarian or animal poison control if you suspect your pet has eaten onions.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that onions can be picked and eaten at any stage of growth. While generally safe, it's important to supervise young children in the garden and ensure they understand not to eat anything without adult permission.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Allium cepa L.
• Common Names: Onions, scallions, bunching onions, green onions.
• Family: Alliaceae
• Variety: Allium cepa var. cepa
• Closely related to garlic, chives, leeks, and shallots.

Distribution and Habitat

• Onions can be grown successfully throughout most of temperate North America.
• They thrive in loose, well-drained sandy loam.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Garden onions (Allium cepa) are biennial plants, meaning they take two growing seasons to go from seed to flowering.
• Shallots form in clumps or rings of bulbs, whereas onions grow as individual bulbs.
• Onions come in a range of colors, shapes and sizes. (Brown, White etc.)

Cultivation

• The easiest way to grow onions is from "sets," which are small, immature onions.
• Sets should be planted early in the spring, 10cm (4in) apart in rows 30cm (12in) apart from mid-March to mid-April.
• Onions prefer cool temperatures when they start to grow and warm temperatures as they mature.
• Onions grow best in loose, well-drained sandy loam.

Harvesting and Storage

• Onions can be picked and eaten at any stage of growth.
• Some types of onions can maintain their quality for as long as a year when stored properly.