Key point
Onions are aversatile vegetablethat can be used in various dishes , and growing them from seedling is a great path to get ahead starton the develop season . If you ’re unexampled to gardening or need to learn more about planting onion seedlings in New Zealand , thiscomprehensive guidewill provide you with all the information you want .
Choosing the Right Onion Variety
The first step inplanting onion seedlingsis opt the right variety . There are many unlike types of onions useable , each withunique characteristics . Somepopular varietiesfor New Zealand let in :
Preparing the Soil
Onions prefer well - drain soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 . If your grime is not well - drained , you could amend it with compost or otherorganic matter . To prepare the territory for planting , till it to a depth of about 12 in and remove any Mary Jane or debris .
Starting the Seeds
Onion seed can bestarted indoorsor outdoors . If you ’re start them indoors , you’re able to seed them in a source tray filled with seed starting premix . Keep thesoil moistand warm , and the seed should germinate within 7 - 10 twenty-four hours . If you ’re initiate the seeds outdoors , you’re able to inseminate them directly in the garden layer . Choose asunny spotwith well - drained filth . Sow the germ about 1/2inch deepand space them about 2 inches apart .
Transplanting the Seedlings
Once the seedling have developed their first sic oftrue leaf , they can be transplanted into the garden . Before transplanting , harden off the seedling bygradually exposingthem tooutdoor conditionsfor a few hour each twenty-four hours . To transfer the seedling , dig a hole that is double as across-the-board as theroot balland just as deep . Place the seedling in the hole and sate it with soil , lightly firmingit around the base of the plant . Water the seedlings well after transplantation .
Growing and Caring for Onion Seedlings
Once the seedling have been transplanted , they will needregular wateringand fertilizing . Water theseedlings deeplyabout once a week , and fertilize them every few hebdomad with a balanced fertiliser . Onions are susceptible to a few pestis and disease , such as thrips , onion flies , anddowny mildew . To prevent these problems , keep the garden clean and spare of weeds , and splay youronion cropseach year .
Harvesting Onions
onion are quick to glean when thetops starttoturn brownand fall down over . To harvest the Allium cepa , gently pullthem from the earth and tolerate them to dry in the sunlight for a few days . Once the onions are ironic , they can be salt away in a cool , dry piazza for several months .
Final Thoughts
Planting onion plant seedlings is a relativelyeasy process , and it ’s a great elbow room to grow your own delicious , nutrient vegetable . By following the tips in this guide , you’re able to ascertain that youronion seedlings thriveand produce a bountiful harvesting .
What You Need to Know
How deep should I plant onion seedlings?
Onion seedlings should be planted about 1/2 column inch deep .
How far apart should I space onion seedlings?
onion plant seedlings should be spaced about 2 inches asunder .
How often should I water onion seedlings?
onion plant seedlings should bewatered deeplyabout once a week .
How often should I fertilize onion seedlings?
onion plant seedling should be fertilized every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer .
What are some common pests and diseases that affect onion seedlings?
usual pests and diseases thataffect Allium cepa seedling let in thripid , onion fly , and downy mould .
How can I prevent pests and diseases from affecting my onion seedlings?
Toprevent pestsand disease from affecting your onion seedling , keep thegarden cleanand free of weeds , and rotate youronion cropseach year .