Sowing, growing and storing onions correctly

Onions belong in almost every kitchen – and in the garden they are rewarding and easy-care. Whether from sets or grown from seed: with a few basic rules you harvest strong onions that store for many months. As a good bed neighbour they also keep pests away.

The easiest way is to grow from sets; anyone who wants more variety sows from seed.

Sets or seed?

Onion sets are simply pushed into the soil in spring, grow quickly and are uncomplicated – ideal for beginners. Onions grown from seed offer a wider variety choice and often grow larger, but need more time and care. For an early harvest there are also winter onions, set out in autumn.

Cultivation and location

Onions love a sunny spot and a loose, permeable soil. They do not like fresh manure – better fertilise the bed the previous year or with well-rotted compost. Push in or plant in rows with about 10 cm spacing. As a companion, carrots go very well: the onion scent drives off the carrot fly and vice versa.

Care

Keep the bed weed-free and water moderately – onions do not tolerate waterlogging. Towards the end of the growing period, largely stop watering: this signals ripeness to the plant and improves storability.

Harvest and storage

Onions are ready to harvest when the foliage yellows and bends over – usually in high to late summer. Pull them up on a dry day and let them dry airily for a few days (curing). Then remove the dry foliage or plait it into braids and store the onions cool, dry and airy – this way they keep for many months.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my onions rot in storage?
Usually they were harvested too wet or not dried enough. Only store dry, firm onions.

Why do my onions bolt (form flowers)?
Cold snaps after setting can trigger bolting – do not set too early and choose bolt-resistant varieties.

For an uncomplicated start, strong young plants and onion sets are ideal. We raise our young plants to be robust.