🌱 How to Grow White Onion from Seeds

Common Names:

• Hindi: सफेद प्याज (Safed Pyaz)

• Tamil: வெள்ளை வெங்காயம் (Vellai Vengayam)

• Telugu: తెలుపు ఉల్లిపాయ (Telupu Ullipaya)

• Malayalam: വെളുത്തുള്ളി (Veluthulli)

• Kannada: ಬಿಳಿ ಈರುಳ್ಳಿ (Bili Irulli)

• English: White Onion

• Botanical name: Allium cepa

1. Choose the Right Season

• Cool-season crop

• Best time to sow: October to December (for winter harvest)

• Onions prefer mild temperatures between 13°C to 24°C

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Loose, well-drained, fertile loamy soil

• pH Level: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0)

• Mix in compost or well-rotted manure for nutrients

• Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soil

3. Sow the Seeds

• Sow seeds in seed trays or directly in garden beds

• Depth: Plant seeds about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep

• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart, rows 12–18 inches apart

• Water gently after sowing

4. Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during early growth

• Water regularly but avoid waterlogging to prevent rot

• Reduce watering as bulbs mature to enhance storage life

5. Germination

• Seeds germinate in 7–14 days

• Thin seedlings early to avoid overcrowding

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Requires full sunlight (6–8 hours per day)

• Best grown in cool to moderate temperatures (13°C to 24°C)

7. Fertilization

• Apply balanced fertilizer or organic manure every 3–4 weeks

• Use nitrogen-rich fertilizer during early growth, reduce during bulb formation

• Avoid excessive nitrogen late in growth to prevent soft bulbs

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Onion thrips, aphids, onion maggots

• Use neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays

• Maintain good garden hygiene and crop rotation

9. Harvesting

• Ready to harvest in 90 to 120 days depending on variety

• Harvest when tops start to yellow and fall over

• Cure bulbs in a dry, ventilated place before storage

10. Regrow Tip

• Save seeds from mature seed heads after flowering (if growing to seed)

• Usually onions are grown yearly from fresh seeds or sets

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

🌿 Health Benefits of White Onion

• Rich in vitamins C and B6, and antioxidants

• Contains sulfur compounds that support heart health

• May help regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation

• Promotes digestion and boosts immune system