Planting Onion Sets

Are you ready to add some flavorful and versatile onions to your garden this season? Planting onion sets is a great way to enjoy a fresh supply of this essential kitchen ingredient from your backyard. Whether you're a novice gardener or have a bit of experience under your belt, here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Choosing the right onion sets is crucial for a successful harvest. Look for sets that are firm, smooth, and free from any signs of damage or decay. Opt for medium-sized sets, about the size of a marble, as they tend to establish better than larger ones. Consider the variety of onions you want to grow, such as yellow, red, or white, based on your taste preferences and culinary needs.

This year we will have 8 varieties of onion sets available to purchase at Scott’s Nursery.

Harvest Time: Late Summer to Early Fall, before the weather cools and the ground freezes.

Colour: Golden yellow skin and white rings.

Storing: Excellent

Onion Size: Large

Flavours: Full flavour. Tangy & sweet.

Comments: Most popular variety. Great for cooking. Use raw, cooked, baked or sauteed. Best for caramelizing.

Harvest Time: Late Summer to Early Fall, before the weather cools and the ground freezes.

Colour: Deep red/purple skin. Light red and white rings.

Storing: Excellent

Onion Size: Large

Flavours: Nice flavour, not too pungent.

Comments: Thinner skin then yellow onions. Good for fresh use, grilling, and roasting. Use in salads and sandwiches. Great colour!

Harvest Time: Late Summer to Early Fall, before the weather cools and the ground freezes.

Colour: White skin, white rings.

Storing: Excellent

Onion Size: Large

Flavours: Strong, tangy flavour, sweeter when sauteed.

Comments: Good for boiling and frying. Use raw, grilled, sauteed. Very little aftertaste. Most popular in Mexican dishes.

Harvest Time: Late Summer to Early Fall before the weather cools and the ground freezes.

Colour: Yellow skin, yellow rings.

Storing: Excellent

Onion Size: Large

Flavours: Mild, sweet.

Comments: Mellow flavour. Good for condiment topping on burgers, sausages, and pizza. Great substitute for any recipe with yellow onions.

Colour: Yellow, Red And White Onions.

Storing: Excellent

Onion Size: Large

Flavours: Mixed flavour profile.

Comments: Three mixed varieties.

Harvest Time: All Summer.

Colour: Papery white skin, white rings.

Storing: Store in refrigerator.

Onion Size: Small

Flavours: Mild & delicate. A hint of sweetness.

Comments: Use raw, cooked or pickled. Harvest when younger and more slender for a milder flavour, or wait until they reach a larger size for a stronger onion taste. 

Harvest Time: All summer

Colour: Produces green onions.

Storing: Store in refrigerator.

Onion Size: Small, clump-forming.

Flavours: Delicate onion flavour.

Comments: Harvest and consume as it is ready in your garden. Best for growing green onion tops. Great in salads.

Harvest Time: Late Summer to Early Fall, before the weather cools and the ground freezes.

Colour: Yellow skin.

Storing: Good

Onion Size: Small

Flavours: Mild

Comments: Aromatic. Good for cooking or frying. Popular in Asian cuisine.

Onions are typically planted in early spring as soon as the soil is workable. However, you may also have success planting them in the fall for a spring harvest. Aim to plant your onion sets several weeks before the last expected frost date in your area to give them ample time to establish before the growing season kicks into full gear.

Choose a sunny location in your garden with well-draining soil for planting your onion sets. Onions thrive in full sun and require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth. Avoid planting them in areas that are prone to waterlogging, as onions prefer soil that is moist but not waterlogged.

 Before planting, take the time to prepare the soil properly. Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the planting area, and loosen the soil to a depth of at least 6-8 inches. Incorporate organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, into the soil to improve its fertility, structure, and moisture retention.

Plant your onion sets about 1 inch deep in the soil, with the pointed end facing up. Space the sets approximately 4-6 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart. Planting them too shallow or too deep can hinder their growth and development, so aim for the recommended depth for the best results.

Onions require consistent moisture to thrive, especially during the early stages of growth. Water them thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the sets, and continue to water them regularly throughout the growing season. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, as onions are susceptible to rot in soggy conditions.

Onions are moderate feeders and will benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied according to package instructions. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of bulb development. Apply fertilizer sparingly and evenly around the plants, taking care not to over-fertilize, which can lead to nutrient imbalances and reduced yields.

Keep the onion bed free from weeds to minimize competition for nutrients and water. Mulching around the plants can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture, but be careful not to pile the mulch too high around the stems, as this can encourage rot and disease. Regularly check for weeds and remove them by hand or with a hoe to keep your onion patch weed-free.

If your onion sets were planted too closely together, thin them out once they reach a few inches in height. This allows the remaining plants to have more space to grow and develop larger bulbs. Gently pull out the excess plants, careful not to disturb the roots of the remaining onions.

Onions are ready for harvest when the tops begin to yellow and fall over. Carefully lift the bulbs from the soil using a garden fork or trowel, taking care not to damage them. Allow the harvested onions to dry in a well-ventilated area for a few days to cure their skins before storing them in a cool, dry place.

By following these simple steps, even beginner gardeners can successfully plant and grow their onions at home. With a little patience and care, you'll soon be enjoying the delicious flavour and culinary versatility of homegrown onions in your favourite dishes. Happy gardening!