How Long Does It Take to Germinate Onion Seeds in the Garden?
Onion seeds normally take 5–10 days at an optimal temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 degrees Celcius to germinate.
The onion germination time frame will take longer in colder soil and temperatures; therefore, germination can be slow and take up to two (2) weeks to see any signs of sprouting when the soil is extremely chilly.
The best way to grow onions from seeds requires bright supplemental light indoors if the temperature is too cold.
A two-bulb fluorescent light fixture should be just enough to get the germination process started.
Normally, I keep the lights on my onions for 12 hours per day and position them within 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the bulbs.
However, if you are living where the climate is generally warm, the fluorescent light fixtures are not for you to germinate onion seeds.
Just place the starting tray outdoors where it can get moderate heat and shade during the day.
Do onion seeds require light to germinate?
Growing onions from their seeds requires bright supplemental light fixtures where the climate is very cold.
However, blubs are not required to germinate onion seeds in warm temperate climate regions.
People who live in places such as Alaska should grow their onions supplemental lighting to onions for 12 hours per day and position them within 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the bulbs.
The Reason Why Your Onion Seeds Are Not Germinating?
Plant seeds, in general, love it when the soil is warm enough to start their termination process.
However, they don’t want it to be too warm. If the heat starts getting above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, they’re going to cook and subsequently not sprout or die.
Another case could be that the onion seed does not get sufficient water or moisture to start its germination process. And finally, the onion seed may be too old to germinate.
Is it ideal to soak onion seeds before planting?
You can sow onion seeds without soaking them; however, soaked onions will sprout more quickly. Typically, this applies to every seedling if you want it to sprout faster.
So, yes, it is ideal to soak onion seeds before planting to encourage germination.
Soaking the seeds in compost tea will give them added nutrition and protection from disease until they are ready to transplant.
Can onion seed start traps?
Starting onions in cell trays is not difficult. Onion seeds can be planted closely together, straight in the garden’s direct soil, or in raised beds.
Onion seeds can sow in starting trays also because they are shallow-rooted crops that can be pulled apart easily when it’s time to transplant.
Once planted, the onion seeds remain indoors or in a greenhouse until they’re moved to my vegetable garden.
What Size Onion Seedlings Should Be Before Transplanting?
The ideal onion size seedlings to transplant are 5–6 inches tall. However, you do have to wait until they are that tall to transplant the seedlings. 4 inches is also adequate.
The spacing and distance in the garden between each onion plant should be 1/2 inch deep, 4 to 6 inches apart.
Once the onion seedlings are planted in the ground, I cut the top-heavy leaves back to 6 inches tall.
Occasionally, I plant some different varieties of onions closer and thin them later as summer progresses.
Do onion plants need full sun?
Just like any other plant, onions need full sun as well. It is best to select a location where your onions won’t be shaded by other plants.
Onions also need well-drained, loose, and nutrient-rich soil to grow healthy.
It is ideal to add a mixture of compost and fertilizer to the soil before planting onion seedlings or sets.
Nevertheless, onions can also grow healthy and do well in shaded areas. I have personally grown onions in a shaded area in my backyard garden and they come out well but are not as big as those in the sun.
What is the spacing for planting onions?
Onions can be planted close together however, to get the best yields, plant seeds in rows 12–15 inches apart.
Your onion seedlings should be covered with 1/2–3/4 inch of soil. When the seedlings are about 2 to 4 inches tall, thin them out and give them space to grow baby onion pups.
Dry onion plants should be spaced 2 – 3 inches apart after thinning them out.
How Often Should You Water Onions?
The ideal amount of water onions need is about 1 inch of water per week; however, depending on your climate and weather, this may vary.
So, if the weather is too dry, you’ll need to water more often.
Can Onions Be Transplanted From One To The Other?
Transplanting onions from plug trays to the garden or raised bed is ideal, as they are thinned out once they have grown a little to yield bigger onion bulbs.
You can enjoy the thinnings of onions as they spring. Onions are shallow-rooted plants and must be kept watered in dry weather.
How Long Do Onions Take to Harvest After Transplanting?
After onions are transplanted into their trays, which are 6 inches tall, it takes onion bulbs 3 to 4 months to reach maturity or to harvest.
Short rainfalls are superb for mature onion bulbs, and the best time to harvest them is between early spring and early summer.
