Onions are one of the most versatile vegetables to grow, and there are many methods of growing for you to choose from based on which best suits your needs. The growing methods you can choose from include growing them from seeds, plants and sets. When working your growing in and around your daily life, it can be quite an advantage to have the benefit of choice dependent on your own requirements. So, take a look below to find out what the best and easiest ways to grow onions are.
Growing Onions from Seed
Growing onion seeds is less commonly done, though it is a method that poses various benefits. For example, there are many varieties to review when growing from seed, which allows for flexible sowing times. This variety when growing onions from seed allows you to explore countless options for growing many different cultivars to grow the exact variety you would like. With some extra work, you can grow onions at a much lower cost through growing by seed.
Advantages:
Many varieties to choose from
Less prone to bolting
Flexible sowing times
Good to store
Can be sown directly into their final positions
The most economical way to grow onions
Disadvantages:
More labour intensive
Longer growing season
Flexible sowing times
More susceptible to pests and diseases
Longer growing season means it takes longer to reach the end goal
Growing Onions from Sets
Onion sets are small, dry, dormant onion bulbs that have grown from the previous year. They appear as small bulbs that then mature into full-size bulbs. Sets do have fewer varieties to choose from than seeds or plants, but are easier to grow as the seed-growing stages have been removed. Onions are usually grown from sets as the most popular option, as their ease of growing makes them a straightforward option. As a result, this makes them the easiest way to grow onions for both novices and experienced gardeners alike.
Advantages:
Easier to plant
Easier to grow than seeds or plants, maturing in as little as three months
Less susceptible to disease
Can withstand light freezes
Instant gratification
Disadvantages:
Fewer varieties to choose from
More prone to bolting, unless using heat-treated varieties
Not as cost-effective as seed
Growing Onions from Plants
Growing onions from plants, or transplants, involves growing them from small seedlings. Providing an alternate option from seeds or sets, growing onion plants offers several advantages. In a similar way to seeds, they offer more variety than growing onions from sets and are simpler to grow than straight from seeds. However, they can be somewhat more expensive than growing them from seed.
Advantages
They require about two months to reach maturity
Many varieties to choose from, similar to seeds
Less labour intensive than seed
Germination uncertainty is reduced
Disadvantages
Not as cost-effective as seed
Certain varieties may be more difficult to find
What Is the Best Way to Grow Onions?
The best way to grow onions is entirely dependent on what your requirements are, as each presents different benefits.
The easiest way to grow onions is to grow them from sets, as cutting out the initial seed-growing stage makes it much simpler. However, growing from seed allows you to have much more variety in which cultivar of onions you grow. Additionally, growing onions from plants offers a similar variety as seeds do though without the labour-intensiveness of seeds but at an increased cost. Therefore, the best way to grow onions is entirely down to your preferences.
Buy Onion Seeds, Sets and Plants at D.T. Brown Seeds
We hope the above advantages and disadvantages have helped you come to a decision on which growing method is best for you. If you’re looking for specific advice on how to grow your onions, we have plenty more helpful tips in our
gardening blog. You can read our blogs on h
how to grow onions,
shallots, and
garlic from sets as well as
how to grow onions and shallots from seed for more in-depth growing information.
Whichever method you choose, you can find quality onion sets, seeds and plants in our shop at D.T. Brown to grow your onions, your way. You can also find many more gardening accessories, as we have
tools and accessories,
vegetable garden seeds and plants,
flower seeds,
fruit seeds, and more to help you keep your growing space full of life. If you’d like to ask us about our range, feel free to
get in touch with any questions. A member of our team will be more than happy to help.