Seed Depth: 1/4 inch

Seed Spacing: 4–6 inches

Row Spacing: 12–18 inches

Sunlight: Full sun

Days to Sprout: 7–14 days

Days to Maturity: 100–120 days

Growth Habit: Upright, bulb-forming biennial

Sunlight: Requires full sun, with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.

Soil Type: Prefers loose, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Enrich with compost or organic matter before planting.

When to Plant: Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost, or sow directly outdoors in early spring once the soil is workable.

Direct Sowing: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 4–6 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart. Thin seedlings as needed for proper spacing.

Indoor Sowing: Start seeds in trays or pots and transplant when seedlings are 4–6 inches tall and outdoor temperatures are consistently above 50°F.

Succession Planting: Not typically needed; onions are a single-season crop.

Watering: Water deeply and consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Reduce watering as bulbs mature to prevent rot.

Fertilizing: Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer during early growth, then switch to a phosphorus- and potassium-rich fertilizer as bulbs develop.

Pruning: No pruning is needed, but regular weeding helps reduce competition for nutrients.

Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for onion maggots, thrips, and fungal diseases. Use row covers and crop rotation to minimize pest risks.

When to Harvest: Harvest bulbs when tops begin to yellow and fall over, typically 100–120 days after planting.

How to Harvest: Gently loosen the soil around the bulbs and pull them out carefully. Allow bulbs to cure in a dry, shaded area for 2–3 weeks.

Seed Collection: Allow plants to bolt in their second year for seed production. Collect seeds once flower heads dry.

Storing Seeds: Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.