How to grow sweeter, bigger onions at home with expert tips
Growing onions at home can produce a tastier crop than supermarket varieties. Success depends on choosing the right types, proper planting, and consistent care. With the right techniques, even small gardens can yield large, flavourful bulbs year after year.
The first step is selecting the best onion varieties for the local climate. Breeders like Bejo Zaden, Nickerson-Zwaan, and Sakata have developed high-flavour types such as Stuttgarter and Walla Walla, which perform well in temperate regions. Matching varieties to daylight needs and taste preferences ensures a stronger harvest.
Planting timing matters too. Onion sets should go into the ground from late March to April, spaced 15 cm apart with rows 25-30 cm between them. The tip of each set should sit just above the soil. For those starting from seed, black seed offers a cheaper option, produces larger bulbs, and resists bolting better than sets.
Soil and watering play a key role in bulb development. Onions thrive in loose, well-drained soil under full sun. Regular watering becomes critical as bulbs swell. Mulching with cut grass or straw keeps moisture in and weeds down.
Fertilising at the right time boosts growth. Early in the season, nitrogen encourages leaf development. Later, potassium and phosphorus help bulbs expand. Rotating different onion types each year also prevents disease and keeps the soil healthy.
Homegrown onions often outperform store-bought ones in taste and freshness. By following these steps—selecting suitable varieties, planting correctly, and maintaining consistent care—gardeners can harvest bigger, more flavourful bulbs. Proper rotation and soil management also ensure healthy crops for future seasons.
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