Allium cepa
TAXONOMY
FamilyAmaryllidaceae
GenusAllium
Zone5
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Allium cepa, commonly known as the onion, is a bulbous plant in the family Amaryllidaceae. It is native to temperate regions and is widely cultivated for its edible bulb. Onions have a dormancy period during which the bulbs are stored before planting. They are known for their pungent flavor and are used in a variety of culinary dishes.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Kepa Esculenta
Onion
Allium angolense
Allium aobanum
Allium ascalonicum f. rotterianum
Allium ascalonicum var. condensum
Allium ascalonicum var. fertile
Allium ascalonicum var. sterile
Allium cepaeum
Allium cepa var. aggregatum
Allium cepa var. anglicum
Allium cepa var. argenteum
Allium cepa var. bifolium
Allium cepa var. cepa
Allium cepa var. crinides
Allium cepa var. flandricum
Allium cepa var. globosum
Allium cepa var. hispanicum
Allium cepa var. jamesii
Allium cepa var. lisboanum
Allium cepa var. luteum
Allium cepa var. multiplicans
Allium cepa var. portanum
Allium cepa var. praecox
Allium cepa var. rosum
Allium cepa var. sanguineum
Allium cepa var. solaninum
Allium cepa var. tripolitanum
Allium cepa var. viviparum
Allium commune
Allium cumaria
Allium esculentum
Allium napus
Allium nigritanum
Allium pauciflorum
Allium salota
Ascalonicum sativum
Cepa alba
Cepa esculenta
Cepa pallens
Cepa rubra
Cepa vulgaris
Porrum cepa
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
GDD1,800
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
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DETAILS
Care Instructions
Onions require direct bright light for optimal growth and should be planted in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. They thrive in moderate temperatures and prefer moderate humidity levels. Regular watering is necessary, but the soil should be allowed to dry out partially between waterings.Harvest
Onions (Allium cepa) are typically ready to harvest when the tops begin to yellow and fall over, which usually occurs about 100-140 days after planting. To harvest, gently lift the bulbs from the soil using a garden fork or spade, being careful not to bruise them. After harvesting, cure the onions by laying them out in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area for about 2-3 weeks until the outer skins are papery and the necks are completely dry. Proper curing is essential for long-term storage.Soil
Onions prefer well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The soil should be rich in organic matter to provide the necessary nutrients for growth. Good drainage is essential to prevent bulb rot.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended for onions. Fertilize the plants at the time of planting and then every few weeks during the growing season to ensure they receive adequate nutrients.Repotting
Onions can be repotted if necessary, especially if they are started indoors before being transplanted outdoors. Repot when the seedlings have a few true leaves and handle them gently to avoid damaging the roots.Propagation
Onions are typically propagated from seeds or sets (small bulbs). Seeds should be sown indoors a few weeks before the last frost date, while sets can be planted directly in the garden. Ensure proper spacing to allow for bulb development.Pruning
Pruning is not generally required for onions. However, removing any flower stalks that appear can help direct the plant's energy towards bulb development.Toxicity
Onions are not toxic to humans but can be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. Ingesting onions can cause gastrointestinal upset and other health issues in pets.Additional
To ensure a good harvest, practice crop rotation and avoid planting onions in the same location year after year. This helps prevent soil-borne diseases and pests from affecting the plants.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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