Grow and Save Onion Seeds: A Guide with a Dash of Humor
Onions: the vegetable that makes you cry, but in a good way! Whether you’re looking to spice up your meals or just want bragging rights as the ultimate gardener, growing and saving onion seeds is a rewarding experience. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of onions—without the tears (hopefully).
How to Grow Onions
Onions are the unsung heroes of the kitchen. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors—kind of like a vegetable fashion show. Whether you prefer bulb onions (round, elongated, or flattened) or bunching onions (aka scallions), they all have one thing in common: they taste amazing.
When and How to Start Indoors
Because onions are slowpokes, it’s best to start them indoors about 8–10 weeks before they move to their forever home in the garden. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed trays or pots. Give them a sunny, cozy spot to germinate, and they’ll reward you by sprouting in 4–10 days.
(Pro tip: Onions love a well-drained, fertile, sunny site. They do not love soggy feet, so avoid waterlogged soil.)
When to Transplant
Onions are tough little guys. You can transplant them just before the last frost, but make sure to space them at least 6 inches apart. They don’t like competition—especially from weeds. Since onion seedlings are small, weeds can easily bully them, so keep that bed clean!
Special Considerations
Before transplanting, dig a furrow about 4 inches deep. Water it well before placing your seedlings in—this makes the transition easier on them. Think of it as rolling out the red carpet for your onions.
Common Pests and Diseases
Like all plants, onions have their fair share of enemies. They can fall victim to bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases, as well as pests like onion maggots and thrips. Crop rotation is your best defense against these unwelcome guests. Also, don’t store onions that have soft spots—those are like an all-you-can-eat buffet for rot and fungi.
When and How to Harvest for Food Consumption
Onions will tell you when they’re ready—literally. When half of the tops have flopped over like they’ve had a long day, it’s time to lift them from the soil. Lay them out in a warm, dry place (but not in direct sunlight) to cure.
Eating Your Hard-Earned Onions
Onions are the foundation of countless dishes. Roast them, fry them, pickle them, or toss them in a soup. Got too many? Make onion jam—yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it’s delicious.
Storing Your Harvest
Once cured (which takes 2-3 weeks), clip off the tops and roots, then gently brush off any loose soil. Store onions in a cool, dry place, either in a single layer or in mesh bags. Handle them carefully—one bruise and they’ll start rotting faster than you can say "French onion soup." Properly stored onions last up to 8 months.
How to Save Onion Seeds
Saving onion seeds is an exercise in patience. Unlike tomatoes or beans, onions don’t produce seeds until their second year. But hey, good things come to those who wait, right?
Life Cycle
Onions are biennials, which means they grow bulbs in their first year and produce seeds in their second. If you want to save seeds, you’ll need to select some of your best onions, store them through winter, and replant them in early spring.
Recommended Isolation Distance
Onions are a little flirty with each other, so to keep varieties pure, space them at least 800 feet apart—or up to half a mile if you want to be extra cautious. Otherwise, you might end up with an onion that doesn’t quite fit any category.
Recommended Population Sizes
For viable seeds, save seeds from at least 5 plants. If you want to maintain a variety long-term, aim for 20-50 plants.
Assessing Seed Maturity
Onions will send up flower stalks in their second year. Once those flower heads dry and start dropping seeds, it’s time to collect them.
Harvesting Seeds
Once the seed heads start drying, snip them off and place them in a paper bag. Most seeds will fall out on their own, but a gentle shake of the bag will help free any stragglers.
Cleaning and Processing
Remove any plant debris from the seeds and let them air-dry for a few days. Once dry, store them in a cool, dry place.
Storage and Viability
Onion seeds don’t have the longest shelf life—they’ll stay viable for about 2 years if stored properly. So don’t hoard them forever; plant them while they’re still good!
Final Thoughts
Growing and saving onion seeds takes time, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Plus, once you get the hang of it, you’ll never have to buy onion seeds again. Happy gardening—and may your onions be large, flavorful, and never make you cry (unless it’s from their deliciousness)!