- Bunching Onions | Key Growing Information
- Cipollini, Mini & Specialty Onions | Key Growing Information
- Map of Long-Day, Intermediate-Day & Short-Day Onions
- Onion Sets | Key Growing Information
- 'Forum' Onions | Instructions for Growing from Sets | Tech Sheet (PDF)
- Overwintering Onions from Seed | Johnny's Selected Seeds
- Onions | Key Growing Information
- Onion & Leek Production from Transplants | Tech Sheet (PDF)
- Pelleted Onions | Key Growing Information
- Video: 4 Great Reasons to Grow 'Blush' Onion
- Winter Growing | Recommended Crops & Varieties
- Classic Storage Crops | Post-Harvest Handling & Storage Guidelines
- Full-Size Onion Varieties | Comparison Chart (PDF)
Pelleted Onions - Key Growing Information
CULTURE: Reduce time-consuming thinning and increase planting uniformity by seeding pelleted onions with a precision seeder. Our onion seeds are pelleted with inert NOP-compliant materials. These pellets are size 13.0, are ideal for direct sowing, and can be planted with Stanhay seeders (belt size 13.0) or any of the precision seeders offered by Johnny's. For best results, we recommend consistent soil moisture during the germination period. Pelleted seed must be kept cool and dry prior to planting, and should be used within one year of purchase. Onions require full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Sandy loam soils are ideal; raised beds or raised rows are recommended for heavier soils to promote soil drainage.
DAY LENGTH: Onion bulbing is triggered by day length, and maximum day length during the growing season increases from south to north. Short-day onions are grown at lower latitudes in the South, while intermediate and long-day onions are grown at higher latitudes. Refer to "Adaptation" in each variety description for details.
DIRECT SEEDING: In April or early May, or as soon as the soil can be prepared in early spring, sow in a 2" wide band, about 2 seeds/in., 1/4- 1/2" deep, rows 12-18" apart. Thin to 1 1/2-2" apart for highest yields in fertile soil. Thin to 3-4" apart for larger onions.
TRANSPLANTING: In long- and intermediate-day areas, sow indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost date. Sow 128-cell trays, 1 seed/cell, and cover with 1/4" soil. Transplant 4" apart in rows 12–18" apart. Unruly tops may be clipped to 5" at time of transplant.
CULTIVATION: Keep onions well weeded with shallow cultivation.
WATER: Onions are shallow rooted and grow best with at least 1" per week of rain or irrigation, especially during the bulbing phase.
DISEASES: Adequate air circulation and crop rotation aids in reducing the risk of foliar disease.
HARVEST: When necks become soft and 50% of tops are falling over, pull and cure in well-ventilated space out of direct sunlight (to prevent greening) or sun-cure in field for 2–7 dry days before moving to dry location. Cure until tops are completely dried; about 2 weeks.
STORAGE: When dry, clip off tops and roots and store in onion bags or shallow boxes at near freezing and 65-70% humidity.
DAYS TO MATURITY: From direct seeding; subtract 10-15 days if transplants are used.
AVG. SEEDING RATE: 464,600 seeds/acre @ 16 pellets/ft. ( 3/4" spacing) in rows 18" apart or 16,000 pellets/1,000' row.
SEED SPECS: SEEDS/LB.: Avg. 15,300-17,700 (avg. 16,500).