Want to grow red onions?
It’s easier than you think!
With the right tips, you’ll have a tasty harvest in no time.
Check out these 8 simple tactics to grow your own red onions.
Ready to get started? Let’s dig in!
Pick the Right Variety
First things first, you gotta choose the right type of red onion. There are many varieties like Red Burgundy, Red Creole, and Tropea.
Check what works best in your region and goes well with your taste buds. Look for seeds or seedlings at your local garden store or online.
Trust me, picking the right variety will give you a head start in your red onion-growing journey.
Prepare Your Soil
Red onions need well-drained, fertile soil to thrive. Dig up your garden bed to loosen the soil and mix in some compost or organic matter.
If the soil is too clayey or sandy, consider adding some garden soil mix. Aim for a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.
Good soil prep means your red onions will have all the nutrients they need to grow big and juicy!
Planting Time!
Now it’s time to get those seeds or seedlings in the ground. Plant them about 1 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart in rows.
If planting seeds, sprinkle them thinly and cover lightly with soil. For seedlings, just stick them in at the same depth they were in their pots.
Make sure your rows are about 12 inches apart so they have plenty of space to grow. Water the soil right after planting to settle them in.
Consistent Watering
Red onions like their soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water them regularly, especially during dry spells.
Aim to water them about an inch per week. Try to water in the mornings, so the soil has time to dry out during the day and avoid fungal issues.
A consistent watering schedule helps those onions grow evenly and prevents splitting.
Fertilizing Tips
Give your red onions a little boost with some balanced fertilizer. A 10-10-10 or similar blend works great.
Apply the fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. Just follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid overdoing it.
Too much fertilizer can lead to big tops but small bulbs, and nobody wants that!
Weeding and Mulching
Weeds are an onion’s worst enemy. Keep your garden bed weed-free by hand-pulling or using a hoe.
Adding a layer of mulch around your plants can help suppress those pesky weeds and retain soil moisture. Straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves work perfectly.
Mulching and weeding not only keep your garden tidy but also help your onions grow strong.
Watch for Pests
Keep an eye out for common pests like onion maggots and thrips. These little buggers can harm your onion crop.
Use organic insecticides or neem oil if you notice any infestations. Alternatively, row covers can help keep pests away.
Staying vigilant and addressing pest problems early can save your onions from a lot of damage.
Know When to Harvest
Your red onions are ready to harvest when the tops start to yellow and fall over. Typically, this happens in mid to late summer.
Gently lift the onions out of the ground with a garden fork, being careful not to bruise them. Let them dry out in the sun for a few days before storing them in a cool, dry place.
Proper harvesting ensures your onions stay fresh and tasty for months.