🌱 How to Grow Red Onion from Seeds
Also known as:

• Hindi: लाल प्याज़ (Lal Pyaz)

• Tamil: சிவப்பு வெங்காயம்

• Telugu: ఎర్ర ఉల్లిపాయ

• Malayalam: ചുവപ്പുള്ളി

• Kannada: ಕೆಂಪು ಇರುಳ್ಳಿ

• English: Red Onion

• Botanical Name: Allium cepa (Red variety)

1. 🗓️ Choose the Right Season

• Cool-season crop

• Best time to sow:

  • Plains: Oct–Dec

  • Hills: Jan–Feb or Jun–Jul

• Ideal Temperature: 15°C–25°C

2. 🌱 Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained loamy or sandy-loam soil

• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Mix in well-rotted compost and wood ash or bone meal

• Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soil

3. 🌾 Sowing the Seeds

• Method:

  • Start in nursery beds or seed trays

  • Transplant seedlings when 4–6 inches tall

• Depth: ½ inch (1.2 cm)

• Spacing (after transplanting):

  • 4–6 inches between plants

  • 8–10 inches between rows

4. 💧 Watering

• Keep soil moist during early growth

• Water every 3–5 days; reduce once bulbs start forming

• Avoid overwatering — onions dislike soggy roots

5. 🌿 Germination

• Takes 7–12 days to germinate

• Requires cool and consistent moisture

• Thin out weaker seedlings

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Requires 6–8 hours of full sunlight daily

• Cool temperatures promote bulb formation

• Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Apply organic compost or vermicompost every 3–4 weeks

• Use wood ash or potash-rich fertilizer during bulb development

• Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers once bulbs start forming

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Control

• Common issues: Thrips, onion flies, fungal rot

• Spray neem oil + soap solution every 10–15 days

• Ensure good airflow and avoid waterlogging

• Practice crop rotation for soil health

9. 🧅 Harvesting

• Ready in 90–110 days after sowing

• Signs:

  • Leaves begin to yellow and fall over

  • Bulbs feel firm and dry

• Pull gently and air-dry in shade for 5–7 days before storing

10. 🌱 Regrow Tip

• Let one healthy onion flower and go to seed

• Collect mature seeds from dried flower heads

• Store seeds in a cool, dry place for the next season

🩷 Health Benefits of Red Onion

• Rich in antioxidants like quercetin

• Boosts heart health and lowers blood sugar

• Contains prebiotics – great for gut health

• Supports immunity and detoxification

• Natural anti-inflammatory properties