{"id":437,"date":"2023-03-05T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-05T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=437"},"modified":"2023-06-27T11:46:33","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T18:46:33","slug":"how-to-grow-red-onions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-red-onions\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Red Onions &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/How-to-Grow-Red-Onions.png\" alt=\"red onions plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nImagine harvesting your own garden-fresh red onions, perfect for adding a touch of vibrant color and flavor to your culinary creations. Growing red onions, botanically known as Allium Cepa, is easier than you think! In this guide, you&#8217;ll learn the ins and outs of cultivating these versatile veggies and how to avoid common gardening pitfalls.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-red-onions\/#Quick_Reference_Guide_for_Growing_Red_Onions\" title=\"Quick Reference Guide for Growing Red Onions\">Quick Reference Guide for Growing Red Onions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-red-onions\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Red_Onions\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Red Onions\">Best Time to Plant Red Onions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-red-onions\/#How_to_Plant_Red_Onions_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Red Onions the Right Way\">How to Plant Red Onions the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-red-onions\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Red_Onions\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Red Onions\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Red Onions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-red-onions\/#How_Much_to_Water_Red_Onions\" title=\"How Much to Water Red Onions\">How Much to Water Red Onions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-red-onions\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Red_Onions_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Red Onions to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Red Onions to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-red-onions\/#When_to_Harvest_Red_Onions\" title=\"When to Harvest Red Onions\">When to Harvest Red Onions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-red-onions\/#What_Can_Red_Onions_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Red Onions Be Used For?\">What Can Red Onions Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-red-onions\/#Can_Red_Onions_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Red Onions Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Red Onions Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-red-onions\/#Are_Red_Onions_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Red Onions Safe for Bees?\">Are Red Onions Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Reference_Guide_for_Growing_Red_Onions\"><\/span>Quick Reference Guide for Growing Red Onions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<table border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"5\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f2f2f2;\">\n<th><strong>Category<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Details<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Plant Hardiness Zones<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Refer to the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Best Time to Plant<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Early spring, once the ground is workable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Soil PH Levels<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>6.0 to 6.8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Plant Spacing<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>8-12 inches between plants in rows, 2&#8243;-3&#8243; apart<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Seed Depth<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>0.5 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Sunlight Requirements<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Full sun, at least 6 hours or more daily<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Water Requirements<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Soil should be damp, not soggy or bone dry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Germination Time<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>10-12 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Time to Harvest<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>100 days from seed to harvest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Food Use<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Salads, salsas, and toppings on burgers and sandwiches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Flavor Profile<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Mild, sweet flavor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Red_Onions\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Red Onions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When should you plant red onions? It&#8217;s all about timing! Planting in early spring, as soon as the ground is workable, sets the stage for healthy seedlings that can withstand local weather conditions.<\/p>\n<p>For region-specific guidance, consult the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you&#8217;re outside the US, search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Red_Onions_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Red Onions the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Avoid common gardening mistakes by considering these key factors when planting red onions in your home garden.<\/p>\n<p>Soil quality is crucial for healthy red onions. Choose well-draining soil with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">soil pH levels<\/a> between 6.0 and 6.8.<\/p>\n<p>Plant spacing is important for growth. Place plants 8-12 inches apart in rows and 2-3 inches apart within rows. Sow seeds about 0.5 inches deep, planting several seeds per spot to ensure germination.<\/p>\n<p>When your red onion seedlings reach 6 inches in height, thin them to approximately 3 inches apart in rows.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Red_Onions\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Red Onions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Providing the right amount of sunlight is vital for a successful harvest. Too much sun can dry out your red onions, while insufficient sunlight can stunt their growth or even kill them.<\/p>\n<p>Aim for full sun exposure, which means at least 6 hours or more of sunlight each day.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Red_Onions\"><\/span>How Much to Water Red Onions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Watering your red onions appropriately is essential for their growth and well-being.<\/p>\n<p>Keep the soil damp to the touch \u2013 not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves of your red onions start to change color or appear droopy, adjust the amount of water accordingly.<\/p>\n<p>Be mindful of over- or under-watering, as either can harm your plants. Monitor them closely and water as needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Red_Onions_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Red Onions to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Watching your red onions grow is an exciting part of the gardening process!<\/p>\n<p>Expect the seeds to germinate in about 10-12 days and plan for a total of 100 days from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Red_Onions\"><\/span>When to Harvest Red Onions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The perfect time to harvest your red onions is when the bulbs are large and the green tops begin to yellow and fall over.<\/p>\n<p>Red onions can grow up to about 2 to 3-3\/4 inches in diameter.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Red_Onions_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Red Onions Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> Salads, salsas, and toppings for burgers and sandwiches<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> Mild, sweet flavor<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Red_Onions_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Red Onions Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Absolutely! Red onions can thrive in pots and containers. Opt for a large container that is at least 12 inches wide to help control weeds and prevent the plant from growing too large.<\/p>\n<p>Container gardening offers the flexibility to adjust sunlight exposure or move your red onions indoors to protect them from harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Red_Onions_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Red Onions Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, red onions are bee-friendly.<\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops, contributing to about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>As bees play a vital role in our ecosystem and food supply, it&#8217;s reassuring to know that growing red onions is safe for these essential pollinators.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Imagine harvesting your own garden-fresh red onions, perfect for adding a touch of vibrant color and flavor to your culinary creations. Growing red onions, botanically known as Allium Cepa, is easier than you think! In this guide, you&#8217;ll learn the ins and outs of cultivating these versatile veggies and how to avoid common gardening pitfalls. Quick Reference Guide for Growing Red Onions Category Details Plant Hardiness Zones Refer to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map Best Time to Plant Early spring, once the ground is workable Soil PH Levels 6.0 to 6.8 Plant Spacing 8-12 inches between plants in rows, <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":405,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,232],"tags":[22,28],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/437"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=437"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/437\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":928,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/437\/revisions\/928"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/405"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=437"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=437"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=437"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}