Lexi Webster
Onions are a versatile vegetable that can be grown in most parts of Australia. The best time to plant onion seeds or seedlings varies depending on the region and climate zone. In warmer areas of Australia, autumn is generally the best time to start planting, as onions require a long cool growing season to develop properly. In Sydney, onions may be sown from March to May, while in northern areas, the planting season can start as early as February. In cold southern regions, onions can be planted progressively from April to September. It's important to choose the right onion variety for your specific climate and time of year, as some onions grow better in cooler months. Additionally, certain varieties may not be suitable for far north Australia. Onions can be grown from seeds or seedlings, and they require well-drained soil with a slightly sweet pH of around 6.5.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to plant onion seeds or seedlings | Autumn, especially in warmer areas |
| Ideal soil temperature | Between 8°C and 30°C |
| Soil type | Well-drained, sweeter soil with a pH of around 6.5, high in organic matter |
| Soil preparation | Dig a narrow furrow and sow seeds, covering them lightly |
| Seed depth | 6mm or three times the diameter of the seed |
| Spacing | 10-15cm apart in rows 20 to 30cm apart |
| Watering | Keep moist |
| Feeding | Every couple of weeks with liquid plant food |
| Harvesting | When leaves wilt and fall over, onions take 6-8 months to mature |
| Storage | In a cool, dry, and airy place, such as wire baskets or mesh bags |
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What You'll Learn
Best time to plant onion seeds
The best time to plant onion seeds in Australia depends on the region and climatic zone. In general, onions can be planted from autumn through to winter in most regions of Australia. However, there are variations depending on the specific location and the type of onion being grown.
In the warm northern areas of Australia, early onion varieties can be sown from February to May. In Sydney, onions may be sown from March to May, while mid-season varieties can be planted in June or July. In contrast, the cold southern areas of the country have a different planting window, with onions being sown progressively from April to September.
For example, 'Early Barletta' and 'Hunter River White' are early varieties that can be lifted at 70 days for pickling or left to mature as salad onions. On the other hand, 'Brown Spanish' is a late variety with good storage abilities, while 'Borettana Yellow' is another late option that can be pickled or used in salads.
When planting onion seeds, it is important to note that they only need to be sown 6mm deep. They should be planted in a sunny, open position with well-drained soil and a pH of around 6.5. Onion seeds typically take 25 to 34 weeks to mature, and the plants can be harvested when the leaves wilt and fall over.
In addition to timing and variety, it is essential to consider the specific growing conditions and requirements, such as soil type, feeding, and sustainable control of pests and diseases, to ensure successful onion cultivation in Australia.
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Choosing the right onion variety
When choosing the right onion variety to grow in your garden, it's important to consider your end goal and the specific requirements for each type of onion. Each variety of onion has its own unique flavour and culinary use, so deciding how you plan to use your onions will help you select the best type for your needs.
For example, if you want to add a pop of freshness to your tacos, raw white onions are a great choice. On the other hand, if you're looking to make a rich caramelised onion soup or French onion soup, slow-cooked caramelised yellow onions, such as the Yellow Sweet Spanish Onion or Texas Early Grano Onions, will bring a sweet depth to your dish. Yellow Sweet Spanish onions can grow to be 1-3 pounds each, making them a great choice for diced onion recipes.
If you're looking for a colourful and flavourful addition to grilled kabobs or bruschetta, Red Creole onions are an excellent option. These onions pair well with fresh Roma Tomatoes and Genovese Basil for a delicious bruschetta topping.
For those in warmer areas of Australia, it's important to consider the climate when choosing an onion variety. Onions typically need a long cool growing season to develop well, so Autumn is often the best time to start planting onion seeds or seedlings in these regions.
Additionally, it's worth noting that some onion varieties, such as 'Early Barletta' and 'Hunter River White', are early varieties that don't store as well as later varieties. If you're planning to store your onions for an extended period, consider choosing a variety known for its good storage capabilities, such as 'Brown Spanish'.
Lastly, when selecting onion seeds, you may come across open-pollinated varieties and hybrid varieties. Open-pollinated varieties are traditional options that have been cultivated for their desirable traits over many years. Hybrid varieties, on the other hand, tend to have higher yields, better uniformity, and improved disease resistance compared to open-pollinated types.
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Preparing the soil
In Australia, the best time to grow onions is in autumn, from March to May, or in spring, from August to September. This timing allows you to take advantage of the optimal climate for onion growth and avoid the extreme summer and winter temperatures. Now, let's focus on preparing the soil, a crucial step in ensuring the successful cultivation of onions.
Onions thrive in well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil's pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral. Before planting, it is essential to prepare the soil adequately to create the best environment for your onions to flourish. Start by choosing a sunny spot in your garden, as onions require full sun exposure, at least six to eight hours per day. Ensure the planting area receives good air circulation to prevent the onset of diseases.
Loosen the soil to a depth of 30-40 cm. Onions develop their roots and bulbs in the upper layers of the soil, so it is crucial to ensure the soil is light and fluffy. Break up any large clumps of soil and remove rocks and debris. This process improves soil drainage and encourages healthy root development. Mix in a generous amount of well-rotted manure or compost. This adds essential organic matter to the soil, enhancing its fertility and providing your onions with the nutrients they need to thrive.
Ensure the soil has the right balance of nutrients. Onions prefer a soil rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Conduct a soil test to determine any deficiencies and adjust accordingly. You can use a general-purpose fertiliser or one
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Onion planting depth
Onions are a cool-weather crop that can be planted when soil temperatures reach 50°F. They should be planted 1/4–1/2 inch deep, with 3–4 inches of space between each onion, in rows 12–18 inches apart. They can also be planted in rows 10–15cm apart, with 10–15cm of space between each onion.
The planting depth and spacing are important for the healthy growth of onions. If planted too deep or too close together, the onions may not have enough room to grow and may become crowded, affecting their size and shape. On the other hand, if they are planted too shallow or too far apart, their roots may not be able to establish properly, and they may not have enough support to grow straight.
The appropriate planting depth and spacing also depend on the type of onion being grown. For example, larger onion varieties may require more space than smaller varieties. Additionally, the soil type and growing conditions can also play a role in determining the ideal planting depth and spacing. In heavier soils, onions may need to be planted a little shallower to prevent them from becoming waterlogged, while in lighter soils, they may be planted a little deeper to provide more stability.
When planting onions, it is also important to consider the growth habit of the onion variety. Some onion varieties are more upright and require less space, while others may have a more spreading habit and require more room to grow. By taking into account the specific requirements of the onion variety, gardeners can ensure that their onions have the optimal space and depth to grow healthily and reach their full potential.
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Onion harvesting and storage
Harvesting
In many parts of Australia, Autumn is the best time to start planting onion seeds or seedlings, particularly in warmer areas, as onions require a long, cool growing season to develop well. Onions are ready to harvest when the leaves start to yellow and flop over at the neck of the onion plant. This signals that the plant has stopped growing and is ready for storage. You can begin harvesting individual onions when the bulbs start to fatten up in midsummer. To harvest, carefully loosen the surrounding soil with a pitchfork, then gently pull the onions up by their tops. Try to keep the full stem intact to prevent the possibility of rot. If the weather is dry, the plants can be left in the garden for a day or two before beginning the curing process.
Curing
Curing is a crucial step in preparing onions for long-term storage. It involves drying out the onions to create a protective layer that keeps the onion firm and fresh for longer. Ideal curing conditions are warm (75-80 degrees F), dry, breezy, and out of direct sunlight. Spread the onions out in a single layer, ensuring they have plenty of space for air to circulate, and turn them every few days to ensure even drying. The onions are ready when the tops and necks are thoroughly dry, and the outer bulb scales begin to rustle. At this point, cut off the tops about one inch above the bulbs, and discard any that show signs of decay.
Storage
Properly cured onions can be stored for several months, with some varieties retaining their quality for up to 10-12 months. Store the onions in a cool, dry location, such as a basement or cellar, in mesh bags, wire baskets, or crates. Ensure that the storage container allows air to circulate through the onions. The ideal storage temperature is between 32 and 40 degrees F. Regularly inspect the stored onions during fall and winter, discarding any that are starting to rot.
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Frequently asked questions
In many parts of Australia, Autumn is the best time to start planting onion seeds, especially in warmer areas. Onions need a long cool growing season to develop well.
Onions are ready to harvest when the leaves wilt and fall over. You can also gently pull on the onion to see if it comes out of the ground easily. Onions take 25-34 weeks to mature.
Feed your onions every couple of weeks with liquid plant food to help cultivate good, healthy growth.
Onion seeds only need to be sown 6mm deep. If you plant them too deeply, they won't be able to grow.
Once harvested, onions should be stored in a cool, dry, and airy place. You can use wire baskets, mesh bags, or a net bag.
