Onions

The Allium genus comprises many species. Some,

such as onions, have edible leaves and bulbs and are
considered to be vegetables, whilst others, such as
garlic and chives, are thought of as herbs.
Onions have been cultivated since the time of ancient Egyptians and are a good winter crop for the
home gardener. Whether they are called onion, spring onion, scallion or shallot (pictured below left)
tends to vary in different parts of Australia.
Growing
There are many onion varieties and for best results the appropriate one needs to be chosen for
different climatic zones (check the back of the seed packet). Early onions may be sown from
February to May in warm northern areas of Australia.
In Sydney onions may be sown from March to May or
for mid-season varieties, sow in June or July. In the
col d sout hern areas, oni ons can be sown
progressi vel y from Apri l to September.
Onions may bolt (go to seed) if they are not planted at the appropriate time of the season. They
prefer to grow in a sunny, open position with well drained soil.
Onion seed can be sown in beds or punnets and transplanted when the seedlings are 10cm or so
high. They should be planted 10-15cm apart in rows 20 to 30cm apart. They are laid on the ground
and the roots are just covered with soil. They will right themselves in a few days.
Alternatively seeds may be sprinkled thinly into a narrow furrow, covered lightly and watered gently.
They will emerge in around 2 weeks and should be thinned. A bed that was well prepared with
organic matter and manure will not require further fertilising.
Harvesting
The onions will be ready to harvest in six to eight months. They are ready when the leaves dry and
fall over. After they are pulled out they should be left in the sun for a few days. When the skin is
quite dry the top is screwed off and the roots rubbed off. They are then stored in wire baskets or
mesh bags in a cool dry place.
The early varieties such as Early Barletta and Hunter
River White do not store as well as later varieties. Barletta
may be lifted at 70 days for pickling or left to mature as a
salad onion (pictured here).
Sweet Red is a mid season variety which stores reasonably. Brown Spanish (pictured at top) keeps
very well and may be planted late. Borettana Yellow is a late variety which may be pickled or used
as a salad onion.
Other salad onions are Spring Onion or Shallot Bunching Onion which can be sown directly from
spring through to autumn. It is not usual to thin them as they may be harvested from eight to twelve
weeks. For repeat harvesting sow more every four weeks. They may be grown in containers.
The tree onion and potato onion are grown from small sets of bulblets planted in autumn. Both form
bulbs below ground, and the tree onion also forms bulbs at the top of the stem.
Pest and disease problems
Onion failure may be caused by growing a variety not suited to the climate (check the packet).
Downy mildew occurs in damp conditions. It is difficult to control but a copper based spray may
help.
White rot (Sclerotium cepivorum) may be a problem controlled by using fungicides at sowing time
but it is almost impossible to eliminate. Crop rotation will help but, if the problem is identified, dont
grow any alliums in that soil again for at least ten years. It is a major disease in south Queensland.
Onion thrip (Thrips tabaci) is a pest which also is very difficult to control if present. See our
information sheet on Thrip.
Other uses
Onions are a good companion plant. Grown around the garden they repel pests. They contain
sulphur which is a strong disinfectant. In the past it was used to heal gun shot wounds and during
World War 1, sphagnum moss was soaked in garlic juice as a wound dressing. Garlic may prevent
Peach Leaf Curl and Black Spot of Rose. It is said they should not be planted near corn or beans.
Information sources:
Yates Garden Guide, 42nd Edition, 2006, published by Harper Collins Publishers
Blazey, C., The Australian Fruit and Vegetable Garden, 2006, published by The Diggers Club.
Department of Primary Industries Queensland, 1994, Disease of Vegetable Crops.
Kirton, M., 2003, Dig Modern Australian Gardening, published by Murdoch Books.
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