Onion - Allium cepa
Full sun.
Jul–Sep depending on sowing time.
Mar–May outdoors after risk of frost.
30–50cm height; bulbs 5–8cm diameter.
Overview
A dependable bulb crop grown for its flavourful onions. Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny spot and keep weeds down so bulbs can swell. Harvest once the tops flop over and dry in a warm, airy place. A kitchen staple for soups, sauces, roasting and slow cooking.
- Vegetable Type: Onion
- Key Characteristic: Essential kitchen staple for roasting, soups and sauces.
- Hardiness: Hardy (tolerates normal UK winter conditions).
PLANTING ADVICE
Plant in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Best grown in the ground, though smaller types can be grown in deep containers.
- Outdoor cultivation
Best grown outdoors in well-prepared soil in full sun or light shade depending on crop.
- Greenhouse cultivation
Not suitable for greenhouse cultivation.
CARE & HARVEST
Keep soil moist and weed free. Keep beds free from weeds and avoid overwatering once bulbs begin to swell. Allow foliage to yellow naturally before harvesting and dry bulbs thoroughly before storing.
- Watering: Water while plants are establishing, then reduce watering as bulbs mature to avoid rot.
- Feeding: Apply a general-purpose fertiliser in early growth, but stop feeding once bulbs begin to swell.
- Cutting and prunning: Remove any damaged or diseased growth as needed.
- Harvesting: Harvest once tops turn yellow and flop over. Lift and dry thoroughly before storing.
- Pest and diseases: Monitor regularly for pests and remove affected growth promptly.
VERVE RECOMMENDS...
- Dry harvested bulbs in a warm, airy place for at least two weeks before storing.