Highlights
grow purple Allium cepa is a rewarding experience for any nurseryman . Theseversatile vegetables adda burst of sapidity and people of color to salad , soups , and other dishes . Whether you ’re a veteran gardener or a beginner , thiscomprehensive guidewill ply you with all the essential information you postulate to successfully plant and grow purple onions .
Choosing the Right Variety
majestic onions come in various cultivar , each with itsunique characteristics . Some pop varieties let in :
Soil Preparation
Purple onions prefer well - drained soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . Before planting , amend the soil with compost or manure toimprove drainageand fertility . Remove any dope or debris that may contend with the onion plants .
Starting Seeds
You canstart purple onion seeds indoorsor out-of-doors . Indoors : set off seeds6 - 8 workweek before the lastfrost date . Sow seed 1/4 in deep in aseed start mixture . Keep the soil moist and provide充足的阳光or artificial light . Outdoors : Sow seed directlyin the garden after the lastfrost date . Space seed 2 - 3 inch apart in row 12 - 18 inches apart .
Transplanting Seedlings
When seedlings have developed 2 - 3 sets of true leaves , they are ready fortransplanting outdoors . Harden off seedlings bygradually exposingthem tooutdoor conditionsfor a week before transplanting . Dig hollow slightly larger than the root testis of the seedlings . Plant the seedling 2 - 3inches deep , with theroots spreadout . Water thoroughly after planting .
Watering
majestic onions require even lachrymation , specially during hot and wry weather . Water deep and infrequently , reserve the dirt to dry out slenderly between tearing . Avoid overwatering , as this can lead to root rot .
Fertilizing
Fertilize over-embellished onions monthly with abalanced fertilizer . Use a fertilizer with a proportion of 10 - 10 - 10 or 12 - 12 - 12 . nullify overfertilizing , as this canpromote inordinate foliage growthand reduce medulla oblongata sizing .
Mulching
Mulch around theonion plantsto suppress weeds , retain wet , andregulate soil temperature . Useorganic materialssuch as drinking straw , hay , or shredded leaves .
Pest and Disease Control
Purple onions aregenerally pest – and disease - resistant . However , they can be susceptible to the following :
Harvesting
violet onions are quick to harvest when the tops have fall over and the bulbs have reached their full size and color . Harvest onions bygently liftingthem out of the ground using a fork or spade .
Curing and Storage
After harvest , cure imperial onionsby localize them in a strong , dry , and well - ventilated areafor 2 - 3 weeks . This procedure helps to dry out the electric-light bulb and extend their storage lifespan . Store cured Allium cepa in a coolheaded , dark , anddry piazza . They can be stored for several months under these conditions .
Final Thoughts
Planting purple onions is astraightforward processthat can yield a giving harvest home of saporous and various vegetable . By travel along the steps outlined in this guide , you could successfully grow your own purple onions and love their culinary and nutritional benefits .
What You Need to Learn
Q : When is the best time to plant purpleness onions?A : The right sentence toplant purple onionsis inearly leap , after the last icing date . Q : How deep should I set purple Allium cepa seeds?A : Plant imperial onion seeds1/4inch deepin the dirt . Q : How far aside should I space purple onion plants?A : quad purple onion plants2 - 3 inches aside in row 12 - 18 inches apart . Q : How often should I irrigate purpleness onions?A : Water violet onion plant regularly , peculiarly during hot anddry conditions . set aside the soil to dry out slightly between lacrimation . Q : How do Iprevent onion plant fliesfrom damaging my plants?A : blanket plantswith course masking or useorganic insecticidesto control Allium cepa fly .