Onion Cultivation

• Onion Cultivation from Bulbils
• Onion Cultivation from Seeds
• Winter Onion Cultivation
• Field Onion Cultivation

Onion (Allium cepa) is one of the most important vegetables in our kitchen, known for its distinctive flavor and health benefits. The common onion (Allium cepa) is a biennial plant from the Amaryllidaceae family, primarily grown as an annual in Poland. Its cultivation may seem complicated, but with the right knowledge and care, abundant yields can be achieved. In this article, we will closely examine various methods of onion cultivation, including cultivation from bulbils, seeds, winter onions, and in the field.

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1. Onion Cultivation from Bulbils

1.1 Choosing Bulbils

Bulbils are young onions that are often used as planting material. They are available in garden stores and can vary in type – early, medium, or late varieties. When choosing bulbils, pay attention to:

Appearance: They should be healthy, firm, and free from signs of disease or damage.

Size: Bulbs with a diameter of 1-2 cm are optimal for most growing conditions.

Disease Resistance: Check if the variety is resistant to common onion diseases, such as downy mildew or root rot.

1.2 Planting

Planting bulbils should take place in well-prepared soil that is:

Well-drained: Avoid clay soils that can lead to bulb rot.

Fertile: Add compost or manure to enrich the soil with nutrients.

pH: The optimal soil pH is 6.0-7.0.

Planting occurs in early spring or late summer, with spacing of about 10-15 cm in the row, maintaining 20-30 cm between rows. Bulbs should be placed at a depth of 2-3 cm. After planting, it is beneficial to mulch the soil, which helps retain moisture and reduce weed growth.

1.3 Care

Watering: Onions require moderate watering. Too much water can lead to rot. During dry weather, water every few days.

Fertilization: Regular fertilization during growth is important. Nitrogen fertilizers can be used at the beginning of growth, followed by potassium and phosphorus fertilizers later on.

Protection against diseases and pests: Monitor onions for signs of diseases (e.g., downy mildew) and pests (e.g., thrips). Use plant protection products as needed.

1.4 Harvesting

Onions from bulbils are ready for harvesting when the leaves begin to yellow and fall. Carefully dig up the onions to avoid damaging the bulbs. After harvesting, onions should be dried in a dry, ventilated place for a few days to ensure their good storage durability.

2. Onion Cultivation from Seeds

Choosing Onion Seeds

The choice of onion seeds is crucial for successful cultivation. Pay attention to:

• Variety: Choose varieties suitable for your climate – early, medium, or late. Ensure that the seeds are fresh and come from a trusted supplier.
• Characteristics: Some varieties have better resistance to diseases and pests, which can be important in difficult growing conditions.

Onion seeds should be sown in appropriate soil conditions, and different varieties have varying resistance to weather factors.

2.2 Sowing

Sowing onion seeds is best done in early spring when the soil is warm enough. This can be done:

In the ground: Sow seeds directly into the ground in rows spaced 30 cm apart. Seeds should be placed at a depth of 0.5 cm and covered with a thin layer of soil.

In trays: Seeds can also be sown in trays or pots and then transplanted into the ground.

2.3 Care

Watering: Keep the soil moderately moist. Regular watering is important, especially during dry periods.

Fertilization: Use nitrogen-rich fertilizers during the early growth stage, and then switch to potassium and phosphorus fertilizers.

Transplanting: When the plants reach a height of 10 cm, they can be transplanted into the ground, maintaining a distance of 15 cm between plants.

2.4 Harvesting

Onions grown from seeds are ready for harvesting when the leaves begin to yellow and fall. Dig up the onions, dry them in a dry place, and store them in a cool, dark location.

3. Winter Onion Cultivation

Choosing Onion Varieties

Winter onions are ideal for cultivation in regions with mild winters. Choose frost-resistant varieties that are well adapted to local conditions. Winter onions are often grown as perennial onions, which can produce yields for several seasons. In Poland, winter onion cultivation is considered significant due to its soil requirements and the need for disease protection.

3.2 Planting

Plant winter onions in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first frost. Choose well-prepared soil and place the bulbs at a depth of 5 cm, with spacing of 10-15 cm. Applying mulch will help protect the bulbs from excessive cold and retain soil moisture.

3.3 Care

Protection from Cold: In regions with harsh winters, it is advisable to cover the onions with a layer of straw or leaves to protect them from frost.

Watering: Winter onions do not require intensive watering in winter, but monitor their condition to avoid drying out or excess moisture.

Spring Care: After the frost subsides, remove the mulch and continue care by ensuring proper fertilization and regular watering.

3.4 Harvesting

Winter onions are ready for harvesting in early spring when the leaves begin to yellow. As with other cultivation methods, the onions should be dug up and dried before storage.

4. Field Onion Cultivation

Soil Preparation and Nutrients

Soil preparation is a key step in field onion cultivation:

Loosening: Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of about 30 cm. Use a hoe or tiller to improve soil structure.

Fertilization: Add compost or manure to enrich the soil with nutrients. Organic fertilizers are ideal, but mineral fertilizers can also be used.

4.2 Planting

Onion planting in the field should take place in early spring or late summer in well-prepared soil:

Spacing: Plant onions with spacing of 10-15 cm in the row, maintaining 20-30 cm between rows.

Depth: Place the bulbs at a depth of 5 cm and then cover them with a thin layer of soil.

Care and Downy Mildew Control

Watering: Onions in the field require regular watering, especially during dry weather. Avoid waterlogging the soil.

Weed Removal: Regularly remove weeds that may compete with the onions for nutrients.

Fertilization: During growth, apply fertilizers that will support plant development.

4.4 Harvesting

Onions are ready for harvesting when the leaves begin to yellow and fall. Carefully dig up the onions to avoid damaging the bulbs. Allow them to dry in a dry place before storage.

General Information

Onion cultivation requires careful planning and consideration of various methods. Key aspects of onion cultivation include planting onions and choosing suitable onion varieties, such as shallots or garlic onions. Onions grow best in nutrient-rich soil, with proper soil preparation and loosening. It is essential to avoid fungal diseases, such as white rot and downy mildew, as well as to monitor for water shortages and affected plants. In the second year of cultivation, onions develop flower stalks reaching a height of 90-190 cm, which end with spherical umbels of flowers.

Winter onion cultivation requires planting onions in the fall and protecting them from frost. Winter onions can also be grown in a home garden. Regular maintenance of onions, systematic weed removal, and monitoring of onion growth are crucial in onion cultivation. When harvesting onions, they should be carefully dug up and adequately dried before storage. Onions also require protection from pests, such as onion flies.