The Story
Plant Bio
Onions are biennial plants typically grown as annuals for their edible bulbs and greens.
Allium cepa is valued for culinary uses and has numerous cultivars with varying taste and color.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Bulb Corm Tuber
Height
24 inches
Width
6 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Biennial, grown as an annual
Native To
Central Asia
Toxicity
Toxic to dogs, cats, and many other animals
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck onion sets or seedlings into well-drained soil in early spring.
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during active growth.
- Thin out overcrowded plants to improve air circulation and bulb development.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Harvest when the tops begin to yellow and fall over, typically mid to late summer.
Pro Tip
Plant in full sun with rich, well-drained soil for best bulb development.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Apply balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks
- Ensure good air circulation around plants
- Mulch to retain moisture
Don't
- Overwater to avoid bulb rot ❌
- Plant in heavy clay soils without proper drainage ❌
- Forget to weed regularly
- Overcrowd bulbs, which can lead to disease
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Onion questions
What zones can Onion grow in?
Onion is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Onion deer resistant?
Yes — Onion is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Onion bloom?
Onion typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Onion need full sun?
Onion does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Allium to compare

Millennium Gold Onion Moly Onion
Allium x moly 'Millenium'

Ornamental Onion 'Ambassador'
Allium cybum 'Ambassador'

Blue Eddy Allium
Allium senescens 'Blue Eddy'

Drumstick Allium
Allium sphaerocephalon

Globemaster Allium
Allium giganteum 'Globemaster'

Purple Sensation Allium
Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Onion with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.






