Onion Info ñ Tips For Growing Big Onions

By: Nikki Phipps

Big OnionAccording to most onion info, the number of leaves the plant produces before the days get shorter determines the size of the onion. Therefore, the earlier you plant the seed (or plants), the bigger the onions you will grow. If your onions wonít grow big, keep reading for more onion facts that can help you fix that.
Facts About Onions

Onions are good for us. They are high in energy and water content. They are low in calories. Onions increase circulation, lower blood pressure, and prevent blood clotting. The list of onion facts can go on and on; however, one of the most important facts about onions is how to grow them.
Growing onion info

Onions can be grown from seeds, sets, or plants. Seeds develop in summer once flowers cease blooming. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden in very early spring, with onion plants ready for harvest by late summer/early fall.

Onion sets, which are grown from the previous yearís seed, are usually about the size of marbles when harvested and stored until the following spring, when they can be planted.

Onion plants are also started from seed but are only about the size of a pencil when they are pulled, at which point, the onion plants are sold to gardeners.

Sets and plants are generally the most popular methods of growing onions. Common onion info tells us that it is often easier growing big onions from plants than from seed.
Help, My Onions Wonít Grow Big ñ Growing big onions

It is just one of those onion facts that the key to growing big onions is early planting, with fertilizer or compost. Seeds can also be sown in trays and left in a cool location until the seedlings reach about 1-2 inches tall, at which time they can be placed in deep biodegradable pots filled with loose, composted soil.

Place seedlings at the top, and keep pots somewhat dry to encourage more extensive rooting as they move down in search of moisture. Plant the pots in the garden in early spring, and as they absorb moisture from the soil, they will eventually decompose, encouraging a secondary root system near the soil surface, which will produce larger onions.

Onion sets and onion plants require loose soil and should be planted early (end of February or March). Dig a shallow trench, working in compost or fertilizer for big onions. Likewise, raised beds can be implemented. Plant the onions about an inch deep and 4-5 inches apart.

Wider spacing makes it easier to control weeds, which can compete for nutrients. Keep the area weed free; otherwise, the onions wonít grow big. Once onion bulbs begin to swell (in late spring), ensure that they remain above ground. Onion plants will continue to increase in size until the middle of summer, at which time their tops begin to fade. Once these tops have completely faded and fallen over, onion plants can be pulled and left in the sun to dry for several days before storing in a cool, dry area.

Growing onions doesnít have to be frustrating. Start them early, follow the above big onion facts and remember to add compost or fertilizer for big onions.

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