Growing onions from onion sets is widespread because it requires relatively little effort. The gardener is almost guaranteed a bountiful harvest if a few basic things are observed.

When and how do you plant onion sets?

In classic summer cultivation, the onion sets are planted at the end of March/beginning of April. However, there may be regional deviations. Onion sets are also planted in autumn. These are winter onion sets that are planted between August and October, depending on the variety.

The onion sets are placed in rows. The distance between the individual plants is about 5-10 cm, the row spacing about 25-35 cm. The onion sets are planted with the sprout pointing upwards, but they must not disappear completely into the ground. The tip remains visible on the surface.

What requirements do onion sets have in terms of location and soil?

Although the onions are considered rather undemanding, some essential points should not be ignored. For example, it is important that fresh organic fertilizer is not incorporated into the soil immediately before sticking. An old manure, loose garden soil in full sun and not sheltered from the wind is optimal. The onion beds should be fertilized sparingly overall, but watered well in the hot summer months.

How do you properly care for the onion sets?

The care of the onion sets does not require much effort. Rather, the usual care instructions in the kitchen garden should be observed:

  • Water well during the growing season, but stop in time to harvest dry onions.
  • Remove weeds regularly, which is particularly important at the beginning so that the small bulbous plants are not prevented from growing.
  • If the soil is sufficiently nutrient-rich, fertilize moderately, possibly with wood ash, but not too much nitrogen.

When are the onion sets harvested?

The onion sets planted in autumn of the previous year can already be harvested at the end of May, at the latest from June to July. The first summer onion sets are ripe in July. The main harvest takes place in September-October. Onions that are ready for harvest can be recognized by the dying herb, which yellows, dries up and snaps over. Then the finished onions can be dug up, dried and stored.

tips and tricks

Leave the dried herb on the harvested onions. This allows the bulbs to be stored in bundles in a place protected from moisture and frost.

Category:

Vegetable garden