A kitchen staple worth growing for the choice of varieties and the satisfaction of a homegrown harvest. Day-length sensitive, so match the variety to your sowing season.
At a glance
- Plant type: Edible plant
- Mature size: 40 cm tall
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Onion
Allium cepa is a moderate-growing edible plant in the Amaryllidaceae family. It reaches around 40 cm tall at maturity.
Where to grow Onion
Onion suits warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Onion does best in free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Onion does best with regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Onion in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. For most gardens, it is low maintenance.
Using Onion in the garden
Onion earns its place for edible harvests.
Companion planting & design
Onion sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered through the garden.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew.
Buying Onion
Plant Sale lists Onion as seed and seedlings. Use the quote builder above to ask about current stock, sizes and pricing.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Onion seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
