What To Know
- Fall onions are a delight for gardeners, offering a sweet and flavorful harvest just as the weather starts to cool down.
- Unlike spring onions, which are planted in the early spring, fall onions are sown in late summer or early fall, allowing them to mature over the winter and be ready for harvest in the spring.
- Once your fall onions are planted, you’ll need to provide them with regular care to ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest.
Fall onions are a delight for gardeners, offering a sweet and flavorful harvest just as the weather starts to cool down. Unlike spring onions, which are planted in the early spring, fall onions are sown in late summer or early fall, allowing them to mature over the winter and be ready for harvest in the spring. This guide will walk you through the process of growing fall onions, from choosing the right variety to harvesting your bountiful crop.
Choosing the Right Fall Onion Variety
The first step to growing fall onions is selecting the right variety. Fall onions are typically divided into two categories: storage onions and bunching onions.
- Storage onions are meant to be stored for long periods, making them ideal for winter use. They have a longer maturity period and develop a larger bulb. Popular storage onion varieties for fall planting include:
- Yellow Granex: A classic storage onion with a sweet flavor and good storage quality.
- Red Burgundy: A beautiful red onion with a strong, pungent flavor.
- Walla Walla Sweet: A large, mild-flavored onion known for its exceptional sweetness.
- Bunching onions are smaller onions that are typically harvested before the bulb fully develops. They are known for their tender, flavorful greens and are often used fresh in salads and stir-fries. Popular bunching onion varieties for fall planting include:
- White Lisbon: A classic bunching onion with a mild flavor.
- Red Salad Onion: A flavorful red onion with a slightly spicy bite.
- Spring Harvest: A versatile bunching onion that can be harvested for both greens and small bulbs.
When choosing a variety, consider your climate and the length of your growing season. Some varieties are better suited to cooler climates, while others thrive in warmer regions.
Preparing Your Soil for Fall Onions
Fall onions thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Here’s how to prepare your garden bed:
1. Test your soil: Use a soil testing kit to determine the pH of your soil. If the pH is too low, add lime to raise it. If the pH is too high, add sulfur to lower it.
2. Amend your soil: Incorporate compost or aged manure into the soil to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Till the soil: Till the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches, removing any weeds or debris.
Planting Your Fall Onion Seeds or Sets
Fall onions can be planted from seed or sets, which are small bulbs that are ready to be planted.
Planting Seeds
1. Sow seeds directly into the garden bed after the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Space seeds 1/2 inch apart and 1 inch deep.
3. Water the seeds thoroughly and keep the soil moist.
4. Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart once they have two true leaves.
Planting Sets
1. Plant sets in the fall, after the soil has cooled down to 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Space sets 4-6 inches apart and plant them 1-2 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up.
3. Water the sets thoroughly and keep the soil moist.
Caring for Your Fall Onion Crop
Once your fall onions are planted, you’ll need to provide them with regular care to ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest.
Watering
Fall onions need consistent moisture, especially during the initial growth stages. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods.
Fertilizing
Fall onions are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, every 4-6 weeks.
Weed Control
Keep weeds away from your onion plants to prevent competition for nutrients and water. Hand-weed or use a mulch to suppress weed growth.
Pest Control
Fall onions can be susceptible to pests such as onion flies, aphids, and thrips. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of infestation and take appropriate action, such as using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Harvesting Your Fall Onion Crop
Fall onions are ready to be harvested in the spring, typically 4-6 months after planting. Here’s how to harvest your onions:
1. Check the bulbs: When the tops of the onion plants start to turn yellow and fall over, it’s time to harvest.
2. Dig up the bulbs: Gently lift the bulbs from the ground, making sure not to damage them.
3. Cure the onions: Allow the onions to dry in a well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks, turning them occasionally. This will help to cure the bulbs and improve their storage life.
4. Store the onions: Once the onions are cured, store them in a cool, dry place with good ventilation.
Enjoying Your Fall Onion Harvest
After your onions are cured and stored, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Fall onions are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and stir-fries to soups and stews.
Beyond the Harvest: Tips for the Next Season
After harvesting your fall onions, you can prepare your garden for the next planting season.
1. Rotate your crops: Avoid planting onions in the same spot year after year. Rotate them with other vegetables to help prevent soilborne diseases and pests.
2. Add compost: Incorporate compost into the soil to improve its fertility and drainage.
3. Plan your next planting: Decide which varieties you want to grow next season and make a plan for your planting schedule.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I grow fall onions in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow fall onions in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep, and fill it with a well-draining potting mix.
Q: When should I plant fall onion sets?
A: Plant fall onion sets in the fall, after the soil has cooled down to 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the sets to establish roots before winter.
Q: What happens if I plant fall onions too late?
A: If you plant fall onions too late in the fall, they may not have enough time to develop a large bulb before the winter. However, they may still produce a good crop of greens.
Q: Can I grow fall onions in the south?
A: Yes, you can grow fall onions in the south, but you may need to choose varieties that are heat-tolerant. You can also plant them in the fall, after the hottest part of the summer has passed.
Q: How long can I store fall onions?
A: Properly cured fall onions can be stored for several months in a cool, dry place with good ventilation.
