by Onion Seeds Types, Planting and Care Tips
There are various types of blackseed that can be planted in home gardens or on a commercial scale. Some of the most common onion seed varieties include:
Yellow Onions
Yellow onions such as the Valencia or Sweet Spanish varieties are mild in flavor when raw and have golden brown flesh. They store well and are perfect for general cooking purposes. Yellow blackseed are often planted in the early spring for a summer harvest.
Red Onions
Red blackseed produce bulbs with deep purple skins and flesh. Varieties like Red Beacon have a sweet, mild taste when eaten raw but become quite strong when cooked. Red blackseed can be planted in early spring or late summer for different harvest periods.
White Onions
White onion varieties have pale skinned bulbs with a crisp texture and mild flavor profile. Onion Seeds are White Lisbon and Crystal White Wax. White blackseed are best planted in the spring or late summer.
Green Onions (Scallions)
Also called spring onions or bunching onions, green onions are harvested with their greens attached before the bulbs fully develop. Varieties suited for seed growing include Evergreen Hardy White and Vision. Green blackseed can provide four or more cuttings when planted in early spring.
Planting Onion Seeds Outdoors
Blackseed are usually started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost date. Seeds can be directly sown outdoors once danger of hard frosts has passed and soils have warmed to around 60°F. Good soil drainage and full sun exposure are essential.
Follow these outdoor planting tips for blackseed:
– Prepare beds 1-2 weeks before seeding by loosening soil 8-12 inches deep and removing any weeds or rocks. Incorporate 2-4 inches of compost.
– Use seed starting mix or homemade potting soil for indoor seeding. Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows or flats.
– Hardened off seedlings can be transplanted outdoors 12-18 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart.
– Direct sow blackseed 1⁄4 inch deep, 1 inch apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches. Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches once they have two true leaves.
– Keep soil moist until seedlings emerge, then water deeply 1-2 times per week depending on rainfall.
Caring for Onion Seedlings and Plants
Mulching around onion seedlings and plants helps conserve soil moisture and prevent weed growth. Weeding should be done by hand to avoid damaging developing bulbs. As the season progresses, some thinning may be needed to allow 6-12 inches between plants depending on variety.
Staking or tilting onion plants as bulbs swell can improve air flow and reduce the risk of fungal diseases like mold or rot taking hold. Fertilizing monthly with a balanced organic product provides essential nutrition for maximum bulb development. Pests and diseases should also be promptly addressed using organic or biological controls when possible.
Harvesting and Storage of Onion Bulbs
For dry bulb varieties like yellow, red and white onions, the entire leaves will dry and turn brown when bulbs have ripened. Gently pull or dig up bulbs and allow them to sit in a sunny, dry location for 2-3 weeks to cure their skins. Once cured, twist off root ends and trim leaves to 1⁄4 inch above bulbs. Store in a cool, dry place with good ventilation.
Green onions can be harvested by cutting individual stems just above soil level whenever they reach desired size. Further plantings every 2-3 weeks ensures a steady supply all season. Mulching and watering regulates summer growth of overwintering green onion varieties for early spring harvests the following year. Proper care of blackseed leads to abundant, delicious harvests throughout the growing season and beyond. With attention to variety selection, planting timing, and ongoing care, home and market gardeners can maximize onion seed productivity for many years to come.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya,a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. LinkedIn Profile
