Onion

About

Onion (*Allium cepa*) is a biennial plant typically grown as an annual for its edible bulb. It produces narrow, hollow green leaves that grow from the base and can reach heights of 30–45 cm (12–18 inches). The plant forms a rounded bulb beneath the soil composed of fleshy, layered scales. Onions produce white or purple flowers arranged in umbels that rise from a hollow stalk in their second year. The strong aroma and flavor of onions are due to sulfur compounds present in the bulbs. 🌞💧 **Sun and Water Requirements:** Onions thrive in full sun, needing at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They prefer well-drained soil with moderate moisture levels. Overwatering can cause bulb rot, so soil should be allowed to dry between waterings. ✂️🫘 **Methods to Propagate:** Onions are propagated through: - **Seeds:** Sown directly in the garden or started indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost. - **Sets:** Small immature bulbs can be planted directly into the soil. - **Transplants:** Seedlings started indoors can be transplanted once the soil is workable. 🧑‍🌾👩‍🌾 **When to Harvest:** Onions are ready to harvest when the tops begin to fall over and dry out. Carefully lift the bulbs from the soil and cure them in a dry, well-ventilated location for 2–3 weeks before storage.

Permaculture Functions

• **Edible: ** Onions are consumed raw, cooked, pickled, and used to flavor a wide range of dishes.
• **Medicinal: ** Onions have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. They are also high in antioxidants and sulfur compounds, which may support cardiovascular health.
• **Pest Management: ** Onions produce sulfur compounds that deter many garden pests, including aphids, carrot flies, and beetles.

Practitioner Notes

• Harvest texture changes faster than color—nip one sample before you commit the whole row to a pick date.
• Label jars with plant part and date the day you seal—future you is not psychic.
• Notebook one weird year—weather anomalies repeat; memory lies, scribbles do not.
• Blanch or process within hours if you are freezing—enzymes keep chewing while paperwork waits.

Companion Planting

Pest Pressure