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Sow in January/February and plant out in April/May, or plant directly in early spring when soil is warming. We recommend the transplant method. Seeds are sown in flats nearly touching each other, ¼” deep in rows. When 4″ high, harden off before transplanting.
How late can you plant onions?
You can plant onions almost any time of year (especially if growing for green onions), but your timing will impact the size of onions you harvest and when they are harvested. Onions will get the signal to form bulbs when the day length in your area is getting the correct number of daylight hours for the variety.
What kind of onions grow in Michigan?
In Michigan, the most commonly grown onion is the pungent, yellow globe-type. They do best with Michigan’s cool conditions. Of the three colors of onions, yellow ones store the best. Shallots are multiplier-type onions that divide into a clump of smaller bulbs resembling tulip bulbs.
When should I plant my onions?
Plant onions in early spring once the ground is workable. In-ground gardens and raised beds are both excellent options for growing onions. Space onion plants 6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. Grow them in a sunny spot that has fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
Can I grow onions in Michigan?
Most of the onions grown in Michigan are the pungent, yellow, globe type. These types prefer Michigan’s cool conditions. You can harvest any onion early and use it as a bunching onion, but not all bunching varieties will produce a large bulb. Avoid using “short day” onions in Michigan.
Can you grow onions in May?
This means you can plant onion sets as late as May 18th to still get your onions 100 days of optimum ‘bulbing’ time. They may not be as big as those started by late April but they’ll be perfectly edible.
Can Vidalia onions be grown in Michigan?
Sweet onions can be grown in Michigan if correct cultivars are chosen and seed started at the right time. Seed must be started in the greenhouse late February or early March for field transplanting in late April or early May. Onions are day-length sensitive so it is critical that proper cultivars are selected.
Do onions grow best in full sun?
Onions are one of the most popular vegetables in the home garden. They can be grown for green onions and dry bulbs. Onions are easy to grow. They perform best in well-drained, slightly acidic, fertile soils in full sun.
What type of soil do onions grow best in?
Soil pH and fertility Have your soil tested. Onions grow best in well-drained soil with pH between 6.0 and 7.0, and high organic matter. You can increase your soil’s organic matter content by adding well-rotted manure or compost in spring or fall.
How many onions will one onion grow?
One onion grows per onion plant. There is one variety of onion known as the potato onion, or multiplier onion, that grows around 5 onions per plant. The potato onion is classified scientifically as Allium cepa var. aggregatum, and is more closely related to the shallot or garlic than most onions.
Where are onions grown in Michigan?
Most Michigan onions are grown in the south central and southern counties of Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Ionia, Kent, Newaygo, Ottawa and Van Buren.
Do onions grow well in wet soil?
Keep the soil evenly moist until plants begin to mature. Dry soil can cause onions to split; wet soil can cause bulbs to rot. Transplants need more water than sets.
Can you plant onions in the fall in Michigan?
Planting in the fall allows onions to easily become established in the cool temperatures of autumn. The bulbs then go dormant for winter, and come back to life in early spring. That late fall growth gives them a big head start over spring-planted onions – making them ready to mature and harvest much faster.
When should you lift onions?
Harvesting Onions Onions are ready to harvest as soon as they reach a useable size. However, for storage, your cue to start the harvesting process is when the leaves begin to flop over or turn brown at the edges. After a week like this carefully dig them out of the ground using a fork.
Can you cut onion tops while growing?
To help get your onion starts to a strong and viable size, ready for transplant into your garden, it’s a good idea to trim them periodically while they are growing.
Can I plant onion sets in December?
Winter onions can be planted any time the ground can be worked – usually between October and December in most climates – or two to three weeks before the first hard freeze. Growing winter onions require full sun, as the onions won’t grow in shade.
Can I grow onions from store bought onions?
It is possible to grow onion tops from a sprouted store-bought onion. You will not get new onions from it, but you can eat the sprouted greens. For best results, use fresh onion sets, onion plants or seeds.
Do onions multiply?
Multiplying onions, sometimes called bunching onions or “potato” onions, grow on a pretty simple principle: You plant one bulb, and as it grows, it divides into a clump of several more bulbs. Whether you opt to let them do this or continue to propagate from bulbs is a matter of personal preference.
Why is my onion sprouting?
Onion bulbs are meant to grow into a new plant, so sprouting is a natural occurrence. The bulbs lay dormant until conditions are right for sprouting, and once they are, new growth begins. Once sprouted, the bulbs rot more quickly. Improper air circulation leads to moisture buildup, which causes onions to sprout or rot.
