These bulbous plants belong to the Allium family. It has a hollow, bluish-green leaves and the ever popular bulb that is frequently used to add flavor and texture to dishes. Read our articles below to learn everything you need to know about raising and harvesting your own.
Onions are a biennial plant, taking two years to complete their life cycle. They grow vegetatively the first year to develop the tops and produce bulbs. If plants are left in the ground over the winter they produce seeds the second growing season, and then perish.
Three different types of onions are grown in home gardens from seed or small bulbs known as onion sets. Long day varieties such as Walla Wall and Sweet Spanish grow best in colder areas and need 14 to 16 hours of sunlight. Short day varieties like Sweet Red and Texas Sweet White grow in warmer, Southern climates and need 10 to 12 hours of sun. Day neutral grow in most climates and need 12 to 14 hours of sunlight.