Autumn Planting Sep-Oct
Autumn onion sets establish before winter and resume growth in spring, producing an earlier crop. Use varieties sold for autumn planting.
Planting information
- Planting time: September to October
- Harvest time: June to July
- Position: Full sun
- Planting depth: Tips just visible above the soil
- Spacing: Approximately 10 cm apart
- Row spacing: 25 to 30 cm
- Soil: Fertile and well-drained
How to plant
- Choose an open, sunny and well-drained position.
- Push each set gently into prepared soil with the pointed tip upwards.
- Leave the very top visible above soil level.
- Firm the surrounding soil to discourage birds from pulling sets out.
- Water after planting if the soil is dry.
Ongoing care and harvesting
- Keep the area weed-free.
- Re-firm sets disturbed by birds or frost.
- Water during prolonged dry periods in spring.
- Stop regular watering as bulbs mature.
- Remove flower stems if they appear.
Spring Planting Jul-Sep
Spring-planted onion sets are easy to establish and generally mature from late summer into early autumn.
Planting information
- Planting time: March to April
- Harvest time: July to September
- Position: Full sun
- Planting depth: Tips just visible above the soil
- Spacing: Approximately 10 cm apart
- Row spacing: 25 to 30 cm
- Soil: Fertile and free-draining
How to plant
- Wait until soil is workable and not waterlogged.
- Push sets into the soil with the pointed end upwards.
- Leave the tip slightly visible.
- Firm soil around each set and water if dry.
- Use a wide container with drainage holes where space is limited.
Ongoing care and harvesting
- Weed carefully by hand to avoid damaging shallow roots.
- Water during prolonged dry periods as bulbs swell.
- Reduce watering once foliage begins to yellow.
- Remove flower stems if they appear.
- Lift once leaves yellow and fall naturally, then dry before storage.
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