Revolutionize Your Garden: How To Grow Fall Onions Like A Pro!

Quick notes

This guide will walk you through the process of how to grow fall onions from seed to harvest, providing you with all the information you need to ensure a bountiful harvest.
They are typically planted in the late summer or early fall and harvested in the spring.
Rotate your fall onion crops every year to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases in the soil.

Growing fall onions is a rewarding experience for any gardener. These cool-season vegetables thrive in the cooler months, offering a delicious harvest when other crops are dormant. This guide will walk you through the process of how to grow fall onions from seed to harvest, providing you with all the information you need to ensure a bountiful harvest.

Understanding Fall Onions

Fall onions, also known as “short-day” onions, are varieties that prefer shorter days and cooler temperatures to form bulbs. They are typically planted in the late summer or early fall and harvested in the spring. Unlike spring onions, fall onions require a period of cold weather to trigger bulb formation. This cold period is referred to as “vernalization,” which is crucial for the onions to develop their characteristic bulb shape.

Choosing the Right Variety

Selecting the right fall onion variety is essential for successful growing. Consider the following factors:

Maturity: Fall onions come in various maturity periods, ranging from 90 to 120 days. Choose a variety that matches your region’s growing season.
Flavor: Fall onions offer a wide range of flavors, from mild to pungent. Consider your preferred flavor profile when selecting a variety.
Size: Fall onions come in different sizes, from small “pickling” onions to large “jumbo” onions. Choose a variety that meets your needs.

Popular fall onion varieties include:

Red Burgundy: Known for its strong flavor and deep red color.
Yellow Granex: A classic yellow onion with a mild flavor.
White Sweet Spanish: A sweet, mild onion with white skin.
Walla Walla: A large, sweet onion with a distinctive flat shape.

Preparing the Soil

Fall onions thrive in well-drained, fertile soil. Here’s how to prepare your garden bed:

1. Test the Soil pH: Fall onions prefer a slightly acidic soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. If your soil’s pH is outside this range, adjust it with lime or sulfur.
2. Amend the Soil: Incorporate organic matter such as 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 to loosen it up.
4. Remove Weeds: Remove any weeds from the garden bed to prevent competition for nutrients.

Planting Fall Onions

Fall onions can be planted from seed or sets (small onion bulbs). Here’s a guide to planting each method:

Planting from Seed

1. Start Seeds Indoors: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
2. Transplant Seedlings: Once seedlings have developed true leaves, transplant them into the garden bed. Space them 4-6 inches apart.
3. Direct Sow: You can also direct sow seeds outdoors in the late summer or early fall. Space seeds 1/2 inch apart and 1 inch deep.

Planting Sets

1. Choose Healthy Sets: Select firm, plump onion sets that are free of damage.
2. Plant Sets in the Fall: Plant sets in the fall after the soil has cooled down. Space sets 4-6 inches apart.
3. Plant Depth: Plant sets 1-2 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up.

Caring for Fall Onions

Once your fall onions are planted, provide them with the following care:

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to promote growth.
Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Preventing Pests and Diseases

Fall onions are susceptible to various pests and diseases. Here are some preventive measures:

Rotate Crops: Rotate your fall onion crops every year to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases in the soil.
Monitor for Pests: Regularly inspect your plants for pests such as onion flies, aphids, and thrips. Use organic pest control methods if necessary.
Disease Prevention: Avoid overwatering and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Harvesting Fall Onions

Fall onions are ready for harvest when the tops begin to fall over and the bulbs feel firm. Here’s how to harvest them:

1. Dig Up the Bulbs: Use a garden fork or shovel to gently lift the bulbs from the soil.
2. Clean the Bulbs: Brush off any excess soil from the bulbs.
3. Cure the Bulbs: Allow the bulbs to dry in a cool, dry place for 1-2 weeks. This curing process helps to preserve the bulbs and improve their storage life.
4. Store the Bulbs: Once cured, store the bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or high humidity.

The End of the Growing Season: A Time for Reflection and Planning

As the fall onion harvest concludes, it’s a time for reflection and planning for the next growing season. Evaluate your success, note any challenges encountered, and consider ways to improve your fall onion growing practices. With a little planning and effort, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, flavorful fall onions year after year.

Revolutionize Your Garden: How to Grow Fall Onions Like a Pro!