If you ’re an greedy gardener in Arizona , you know how ambitious it can be to cultivate sure crop due to the desert clime . However , with the right knowledge and strategies , it ’s possible to grow a bountiful onion crop . Choosing the optimal meter to set onion in Arizona can make or break a develop time of year . With this guide , every level of a nurseryman can know with certainty when to engraft Allium cepa , how to plant them , and elbow room to protect your crops from unwanted freezes .
Good Onion Varieties to Grow in Arizona
Onions are a democratic vegetable crop among gardeners due to their versatility in the kitchen and the relief with which they can be grown . There are legion varieties of onions , each with its unique characteristic and consumption .
Here are some of the more popular onion varieties that gardeners like to grow :
Overall , each onion variety has its unequalled flavor profile and culinary usage , make them a democratic and various crop for gardener .
When to Plant Onions in Arizona
Onions are a cool - time of year crop that can be planted in the outflow as soon as the grease can be worked . The exact planting time will vary depending on your localization and mood , but generally , onions should be imbed about 2 - 4 week before the last have a bun in the oven frost date in your domain . The onion planting dates in Arizona are :
Additional Resource : determine Your Arizona Hardiness Zone
Before planting onions , it ’s essential to prepare the stain by loosening it to a depth of 4 - 6 inch and incorporating compost or well - rotted manure . onion plant prefer well - draining soil with a pH between 6.0 - 7.0 .
To plant onion plant sets , which are small Allium cepa bulb , make a furrow about 1 column inch deep , plant the solidification 4 - 6 inches aside , and pass over them with soil . For Allium cepa seeds , seed them about 1/4 inch mystifying and 1 inch apart , and cover them with soil . Water the soil thoroughly after implant , and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge .
Onions grow best in full Sunday and require consistent wet to produce caliber medulla . They also benefit from even fertilization throughout the growing time of year . dope controller is crucial , so keep the area around the plants free of weeds .
In conclusion , onions should be plant in the saltation , 2 - 4 weeks before the last expected rime date in your area . Prepare the grunge , plant the sets or seeds , water the well , and keep the area free of weeds . With proper care , you may enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious onion plant in the summer and fall .
Planting Onions From Seed
onion can be grown from germ , but it takes longer than planting onion set or starts . It ’s recommended to found onion plant starts rather than cum because Allium cepa source take a longer time to develop and raise , and the plants may not maturate as uniformly as onion plant sets .
However , planting onions from seminal fluid can be a good option if you need to grow a specific miscellanea that is n’t available as sets or outset . Planting onion seeds can also be more cost - effective than buy sets or starts .
If you make up one’s mind to establish Allium cepa from seed , you should start the come indoors 8 - 10 week before the last expected frost escort in your field . If you decide to plant onion plant from seminal fluid , you should start the seeds indoors 8 - 10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area . The final hoarfrost dates in Arizona are :
In Arizona , begin your onion seeds indoors around :
To start onion source indoors , fulfil come trays with a dear quality seed - start mixing , and sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil . hatch the seeds with a fragile level of soil , water the tray , and keep it in a lovesome , bright location . Onion come involve a consistent temperature of 65 - 75 ° F to germinate , so you may need to expend a heat matte or arise light to wield the right conditions .
After the source have germinated , thin the seedling to about 1 inch apart , and continue to grow them indoors until they are with child enough to transplant alfresco . Harden off the seedlings by bit by bit exposing them to outside consideration for a workweek before transplanting them into the garden .
When to Harvest Onions in Arizona
Onions are ready to harvest when the leaves start to bend yellow and come down over . This typically happens in late summer or early fall , about 100 - 120 days after planting , look on the variety and growing atmospheric condition .
To train if the onions are ready for harvest time , gently push back the grunge around the substructure of the onion bulbs to see if they have developed into mature bulb . If the bulbs are of the want size of it , you could start to glean them .
To harvest onions , use a garden fork or shovel to cautiously lift the bulb out of the dirt . softly tease apart the soil around the bulbs to forefend damage them . Once the bulbs are out of the grunge , impart them on the ground for a day or two to dry out out and bring around in the sun . This will facilitate to toughen the skins and draw out the computer storage life of the onion .
After the onions have dried and cured for a day or two , cut off the stem and root to about 1 inch from the electric light . you’re able to then hive away the Allium cepa in a cool , dry position , such as a service department or cellar , with skilful air circulation . hang them in mesh base or tying them in braids is also a good way to store onion .
onion should be stored in a position with a temperature between 32 - 40 ° F and with miserable humidness . Avoid storing onions near murphy or other fruits and vegetables that farm ethylene gas , which can cause Allium cepa to spoil more promptly .
