Regrow onions by simply cutting off the bottom inch of an onion. See step-by-step how to do it.
Growing onions from an onion may seem like a daunting task, but with a few simple steps and some patience, anyone can transform a humble store-bought onion into a thriving new plant. By using the bottom cuttings of an onion, it’s possible to regenerate and grow a new onion that’s perfect for harvesting and consuming. This method not only promotes sustainability but also provides an easy and low-cost way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce.
To successfully grow onions from an onion, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the ideal growing conditions and necessary steps for proper onion cultivation. Knowing when to plant, how to prepare the soil, and how to properly care for the growing onions will ensure a bountiful harvest. In this article, we’ll explore the process of growing onions from onion cuttings, providing tips and techniques to guide you through each stage of growth.
Choosing the Right Onion Varieties
When growing onions, it’s essential to select the right variety for your garden. The type of onion you choose determines not only the taste and size but also the growth conditions and planting methods needed for success. In this section, we’ll explore Onion Bulbs and Sets, Green Onions, and Long Day and Short Day Varieties.
Onion Bulbs and Sets
To grow onions from an existing onion or an onion bulb, you’ll need to choose healthy, firm specimens from the grocery store or nursery. Planting onion sets, which are small, immature onion bulbs available at garden centers, is the easiest way to grow onions. Sets are more resistant to disease and generally have a higher success rate than starting from seeds or onion bulbs.
Here are some popular onion varieties for planting bulbs and sets:
- Yellow Onions: Excellent storage onions, have strong flavors, and perform well in various recipes.
- White Onions: Milder flavor, great for salads, and suitable for short-term storage.
- Red Onions: Offer rich color, mild flavor, and typically used for salads or grilling.
Green Onions
Green onions, also known as scallions, are a versatile and easy-to-grow option for gardeners. They can be grown either by planting seeds or by rooting the white base of a store-bought green onion in water and transferring it to the soil once roots are established. Some popular green onion varieties include:
- Evergreen Bunching: Cold-tolerant and fast-growing, ideal for harvesting at any stage.
- Tokyo Long White: Known for their non-bulbing habit, slender shape, and mild flavor.
Long Day and Short Day Varieties
When choosing onion varieties, it’s important to consider the hours of daylight needed for bulb formation:
- Long Day Onions: Best suited for gardens in the Northern United States (above a line drawn from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.), as they require 14-16 hours of daylight to form bulbs. Notable long-day varieties include Walla Walla, Ailsa Craig, and Copra.
- Short Day Onions: Ideal for Southern gardeners (below the mentioned line) as they need only 10-12 hours of daylight for bulbs to form. Popular short-day varieties are Granex (Vidalia), Texas 1015, and Southern Belle Red.
By understanding the different onion varieties and their specific requirements, you’ll have a better chance of successful growth and an enjoyable harvest.
Preparing Your Garden or Potting Environment
In this section, we will discuss key factors in setting up an ideal environment for growing onions from an onion, mainly focusing on soil selection and preparation of the planting site.
Selecting the Right Soil and Fertilizer
Onions grow best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Keep the following points in mind when selecting the soil for your onion garden or pot:
- Opt for garden soil that leans towards the sandy side to ensure proper drainage.
- If your garden soil is heavy with clay, consider using a raised bed or a pot with potting mix.
- Amend the soil with well-aged compost before planting to improve fertility and drainage.
- Nitrogen fertilizer is beneficial for onions, as they require a good amount of nitrogen for growth. Apply a nitrogen fertilizer to the soil when preparing the planting site.
Preparing the Planting Site
The planting site for growing onions plays a crucial role in their development. Factors such as sunlight, temperature, water, and weed prevention must be taken into account. Here’s how to prepare your onion planting site:
- Sunlight: Onions require full direct sunlight for optimal growth, so choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Temperature: Onions prefer cooler temperatures for their initial growth stage. Plant onions early in spring when the temperature ranges between 45°F and 75°F.
- Water: Onions have shallow roots and require consistent moisture. Plan to provide about 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering.
- Weed Control: Weed your garden regularly to prevent competition for nutrients and to create a favorable growing environment for the onions.
- Planting: Choose from planting onion seeds, transplants, or small bulbs called “sets.” Plant the onions at a depth of 1-2 inches, with a spacing of 4-6 inches between each onion.
By following these guidelines, you will create a conducive environment for growing healthy, robust onions from an onion.
Planting Onion Seeds, Sets or Bulbs
Offsets from Whole Onions
Planting onions from offsets involves using small, mature onion bulbs. To do this, simply separate the outer layers of an onion to reveal the small, white roots. Plant these smaller bulbs directly into the soil at a depth of about 1 inch, with 4-6 inches between each bulb.
Growing Onions from Seeds
To grow onions from seeds, follow these steps:
- Start by sowing seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last spring frost date.
- Fill pots or trays with pre-moistened potting mix.
- Sow the seeds 1/4 inches deep and 1/2 inch apart.
- As the grassy seedlings grow, clip the tops to encourage growth.
Transplant the seedlings into the garden 3-4 inches apart once they have grown sufficiently, and when the risk of frost has passed.
| Planting Time | Seed Spacing |
|---|---|
| 10-12 weeks before last spring frost | 1/2 inch apart |
Planting Onion Sets
Onion sets are small onion bulbs, usually around the size of a nickel, that were grown from seed in the previous growing season. Planting onion sets has some advantages over seeds, such as being more resistant to pests and having a shorter growing time. To plant onion sets:
- Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and removing any weeds or debris.
- Dig holes within the prepared area that are 1-2 inches deep.
- Space onion sets 4-6 inches apart.
- Place one onion set per hole with the pointed end facing upward, and cover with soil.
| Planting Time | Set Spacing |
|---|---|
| Spring | 4-6 inches apart |
By following these methods for planting onion seeds, onion sets, or using offsets from whole onions, gardeners can successfully grow onions in their gardens. Remember to regularly water and protect the plants from insects and other pests for a healthy onion crop.
Caring for Your Growing Onions
Watering
Onions require consistent watering to thrive. Provide your onions with about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week. Check the soil daily and if it feels dry to the touch, water the onions until the soil is moist. You should aim to water the onions evenly to avoid misshapen bulbs. In general:
- Green onions are ready in 3-4 weeks
- Mature onions grow above or partially above soil level
Light and Temperature Requirements
To grow strong and healthy onions, make sure they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The more sunlight, the better the outcome. Additionally, onions prefer temperatures ranging from 55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C) for optimal growth.
Maintaining Healthy Soil
Proper soil is essential for growing onions successfully. The soil should be:
- Extremely well-drained or even sandy
- Rich in organic matter
- Loamy texture
Don’t forget to weed your garden bed regularly to ensure your onions have enough space and nutrients to grow properly. Onions also benefit from the presence of nitrogen in the soil, as it helps them develop strong foliage and large bulbs.
Harvesting and Storing Onions
When to Harvest
Onions are typically ready for harvest when they start to form flowers. The average time it takes for onions grown from cuttings to produce a new bulb is between 90-120 days. To make it easier to identify when to harvest, consider these factors:
- Flowers have formed on the onion plant.
- The green foliage starts to turn yellow and wither.
How to Harvest
To harvest your onions, follow these steps:
- Loosen the soil around the base of the onion using a hand trowel or shovel.
- Gently pull the onion out of the ground by grasping the base of the green foliage.
- Lay the onions out on a flat, clean surface, such as a table or tray, to dry for about two weeks. Ensure space between each onion for proper air circulation.
- Once the outer layers are dry and papery, trim the roots and green foliage to about 1-inch from the bulb.
Storing Onions
Proper storage of onions is essential to retain their quality and reduce the risk of spoilage. Follow these guidelines to store your onions effectively:
- Onions should be kept in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. Ideal storage conditions vary between 45-55°F (7-13°C) and 65-70% relative humidity.
- Use mesh bags, bushel baskets, orchard racks, or flat cardboard boxes with holes punched in them for storage. This ensures adequate air circulation, which prevents the growth of mold and bacteria.
- Avoid storing onions near other fruits or vegetables, as the odors can affect their flavor.
- Mild onions should be consumed within a few weeks, as they have a shorter shelf life compared to stronger-flavored varieties.
Remember to use a knowledgeable, neutral, and clear tone while writing, and avoid exaggeration or false information. Keep it brief, and follow the guidelines mentioned above for a successful harvest and storage of onions.
Preventing and Addressing Onion Pests and Diseases
Common Pests
Onions may be occasionally affected by a variety of pests, including:
- Thrips: Tiny insects that cause leaves to become distorted and discolored. Remove affected foliage and use row covers or insecticidal soap to control thrips.
- Onion maggots: These small, white larvae cause damage to bulb and roots. To prevent infestations, use floating row covers and practice crop rotation.
- Bulb mites: Less than 1 mm long, these mites cause significant damage to bulbs during the growing process. Prevention methods include planting cilantro around your onions and using neem oil to treat infected plants.
Disease Prevention
Implementing the following preventative measures can reduce the risk of diseases affecting your onion plants:
- Practice crop rotation: Avoid planting onions, garlic, shallots, leeks, or chives in the same field for at least 3-4 years. This helps to reduce the buildup of soil-borne pathogens.
- Select disease-resistant varieties: Choose onion varieties that have a tolerance or resistance to common diseases, such as Fusarium basal rot.
- Improve soil drainage: Ensure onions are planted in well-drained soil, as poor drainage can exacerbate disease issues. Utilize raised beds if necessary.
- Monitor for early signs of infection: Regularly check your plants for symptoms of disease, and remove any affected plant material to prevent the spread of infections.
Remember to maintain a clean, healthy growing environment for your onion plants. These preventative measures, combined with careful observation and prompt treatment of any pests or diseases, will help you achieve a successful onion crop.