Beginners Guide to Growing Onions

Charlotte Weidner | February 14, 2026

Edible Onions are a culinary standard in recipes worldwide! Unlike the non-edible Ornamental Onions (Flowering Onions) that look pretty in the spring or summer months, edible Onions range from mild to very strong in terms of both flavor and odor.

Members of the Amaryllis family, along with Leeks, Garlic, Scallions, Ramps, and Shallots, There are 5 types of Onions for you to choose from and 3 related varieties - all of which are incredibly easy to grow and rewarding!

All About Onions
Growing Onions
Growing Onions Without The Tears!

All About Onions

According to the National Onion Association, Onions began being used in a culinary sense in central Asia 5,000 years ago as food, art, medicine, and mummification, but Wild Onions were used long before that as a dietary vegetable in prehistoric times.

Onions contain antioxidants and compounds that can lower heart disease risk and protect against blood clots. High in dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Folate, Calcium, and Iron. Onions add that special 'oomph' to fresh and cooked dishes, bringing a different flavor profile depending on whether they are used raw, roasted, grilled, pickled, caramelized, baked, fried, or sautéed.

The Main Types of Onions Include:

Yellow Onions - Yellow papery skins, crisp, juicy, and mild/sweet finish
Red/Purple Onions - Red/Purple papery skins - mild and pungent
Sweet Onions - Yellow paper skins, Lower sulfur, sweeter taste, and often used fresh
White Onions - White papery skins, zesty, pungent and full-flavored. Slow to bolt
Spring Onions - Immature Onions - used like Green Onions/Scallions
Shallots - A milder cross between Garlic and Onions
Leeks - Mild flavor and stands up to cooking and stews
Green Onions/Scallions

About Shallots

Shallots seem to be a cross between Onions and Garlic, forming layers like Onions but creating clove-like sections like Garlic. Even the flavor seems to be a combination of both, only milder than Garlic and a bit sweeter than Onions.

About Leeks

Leeks have fresh Onion flavor and are eaten as both the stronger white bases and milder green tops. They do not form bulbs at the base of the plant and form fast bunching groupings when left in the ground.

Mellowing the flavor and odor of raw Onions can be achieved by slicing very thinly or you can soak onion slices in cold water for as long as overnight to tone down their potency.

Difference Between Green Onions, Spring Onions, and Scallions

Green Onions and Scallions are the same thing and do not form bulbs. The green tops and the white base are both eaten fresh or cooked. Spring Onions are like small Green Onions with small bulbs beginning to form, and are typically harvested when young and the bulb hasn’t fully formed. Spring Onions are more flavorful than Green Onions/Scallions.

Chives

Another Allium family plant, naturalized and native and a garden standard, Chives are not pulled from the ground to harvest, instead, the clumping plants are trimmed with scissors to harvest and used as a mild oniony garnish and fresh seasoning, or dried for later use.

Wild Onions & Ramps

The native wild forms of Onions include Ramps, Wild/Meadow Onions, Garlic Chives, Wild Leeks, and Ramson (Cowleeks/Bear Leeks), which are all native or naturalized forms of Onion family plants.

Growing Onions

Onions are sold as seeds, transplants (young bulbs with some greens already started and sold in bundles), or as Onion sets (dormant bulblets). The latter is what Nature Hills will ship to your doorstep.

Grow yours in evenly spaced rows, raised beds, or sunny pots and planters.

Warmer (typically zones 7 and warmer) can plant Onion sets in the fall for a late spring harvest or in the early spring in cooler climates for a late summer harvest. Nature Hills ships your quality dormant bulbs to your growing zone at the proper planting time.

Onions readily grow in a range of climates and soil types. Here are the ideal growing conditions for these Vegetable Garden standards.

Plant in full sun for the fastest growth and strongest stems
Choose a loose, rich, well-drained soil location
Plant each bulb a few inches apart
Provide moderate to low moisture as needed throughout the growing season.
Spread a layer of compost/mulch 3-4 inches deep for an extra layer of protection and fertility.

If you have clay soil, or soil that doesn’t drain well, grow your Onions in raised beds or containers.

Water them well after planting, then continue until established and during drought. Onion roots are shallow and need a steady supply of water to grow without interruption.

Harvesting & Storing Onions

Onions are ready for harvest as soon as their foliage withers. Locate the Onions beneath the dried foliage, then gently pry them out with a spade or spading fork. Pull the plants from the ground and allow them to sit on top of the soil for a couple of days to dry the roots.

After the first couple of days, move them into a barn, shed, garage, or covered porch and set them on a screen or mesh to cure for about 2 weeks for the Onions that you will store. Then you can braid them or keep them in mesh bags and store them in the basement where it is cool and dry. Tie the tops together to store them. Just ensure they have plenty of ventilation.

Create decorative Onion braids in your kitchen and give your surplus as gifts!

Growing Onions Without The Tears!

Easy to grow flavor for all of your kitchen creations, growing your own Onions is a rewarding space-saving experience!

Check out all the Onion varieties at NatureHills.com and order soon! Dormant bulbs are gearing up to start shipping based on your growing zone soon!

Happy Planting!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plant onions for the first time?

Onions are one of the easiest vegetables for first-time growers, and you can start them from seeds, sets (small bulbs), or transplants depending on your experience level. Plant onion sets or transplants in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, spacing them about 4 to 6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart, in a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil. For most gardeners in zones 3 through 9, this means getting them in the ground 4 to 6 weeks before your last expected frost date. Choose yellow onions for a mild, versatile flavor if you are unsure where to start, and keep the soil consistently moist as the bulbs develop through the season.

When is the best time to plant onions in my garden?

The best time to plant onions depends on your growing zone, but generally they should go in the ground in early spring, 4 to 6 weeks before your last expected frost date, as onions are cold-tolerant and can handle light freezes. In warmer climates in USDA Zones 7 and above, you can also plant onions in fall for a late winter or early spring harvest. Start onion seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before transplanting, or save time by planting onion sets or transplants directly in the garden. Check your local frost dates and choose the right onion type for your region to get the best results this season.

How long does it take for onions to grow from planting to harvest?

Onions typically take 90 to 120 days to reach full maturity from the time of planting, though this varies depending on the variety and whether you are starting from seeds, sets, or transplants. Short-day varieties are best suited for growers in USDA Zones 7 to 9, where they are planted in fall or early winter for a spring harvest, while long-day varieties thrive in Zones 6 and above, planted in early spring for a summer harvest. Day-neutral varieties offer the most flexibility and can be grown successfully across a wide range of zones. Watch for the tops to yellow and fall over as your signal to harvest, then cure your onions in a warm, dry location for two to three weeks before storage.

Can I grow onions at home without a large garden space?

Yes, onions are well-suited for small-space gardening and can thrive in raised beds, containers, or even window boxes. Most varieties need only a few inches of space between bulbs, typically 4 to 6 inches apart, making them easy to fit into compact growing areas. Whether you are growing full-sized Yellow or White Onions or harvesting Green Onions and Scallions in tight quarters, you can produce a meaningful crop with minimal footprint. Start by choosing a container or bed that receives at least 6 hours of full sun daily, fill it with well-draining soil, and select a variety suited to your region for the best results.

What is the difference between growing onions from seeds, sets, and transplants?

Onions can be started from seeds, sets (small dormant bulbs), or transplants, and each method has its advantages depending on your timeline and experience level. Seeds offer the widest variety selection and are best started indoors 10 to 12 weeks before your last frost date, while sets are the easiest option for beginners and can be planted directly in the ground in early spring as soon as the soil is workable. Transplants fall in the middle, giving you a head start over seeds without the guesswork, and are typically planted outdoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. For most home gardeners, sets or transplants are the most reliable path to a successful harvest, so choose based on how much variety selection matters to you and how early you want to get started.

How deep should I plant onions in the ground?

Onion sets or transplants should be planted about 1 inch deep, with the pointed end facing up, while onion seeds are sown just 1/4 inch deep. Space individual bulbs or transplants 4 to 6 inches apart in rows set 12 to 18 inches apart to allow room for proper bulb development. Plant in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, since onions prefer cool weather for their initial growth stage. Whether starting from seeds, sets, or transplants, keep the planting depth shallow and consistent for the best bulb formation and yield.

How do I grow yellow onions successfully at home?

Yellow onions thrive in full sun with well-drained, loose soil and are best started from sets or transplants in early spring, about 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. They perform well across a wide range of growing zones and prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 for optimal bulb development. Plant sets about 1 inch deep and 4 to 6 inches apart, and keep them consistently watered, reducing moisture as the tops begin to fall over, which signals they are nearly ready to harvest. For the best results, feed with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season and stop once the bulbs begin to swell.

Do onions grow underground, and how does that affect how I care for them?

Yes, onions develop their edible bulbs underground, which means proper soil preparation is essential to a successful harvest. Loose, well-draining soil allows bulbs to expand freely, so work your bed to a depth of at least 8 to 10 inches before planting and incorporate compost to improve fertility. Because the bulbs are hidden beneath the surface, monitor soil moisture consistently and aim to keep it evenly moist but never waterlogged, as standing water can cause rot. Plant sets or transplants in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, and pull back any mulch occasionally to check that developing bulbs are not being choked by compacted soil.

How much water do onions need throughout the growing season?

Onions need about 1 inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or supplemental irrigation, and consistent moisture is especially critical during bulb formation in mid to late summer. Drought stress during this period can cause small, underdeveloped bulbs, while overwatering can lead to rot. Reduce watering as the tops begin to fall over and the onions near harvest to help cure the outer skins. Use a drip irrigation system or soaker hose at the base of plants to keep foliage dry and reduce the risk of fungal disease.

What are the most common mistakes beginners make when growing onions?

Beginners most often struggle with planting onions too late, spacing them too closely, or choosing the wrong type for their day-length zone, since onions are triggered to bulb by daylight hours and short-day varieties suit the South while long-day types thrive in northern regions. Planting sets or transplants too deep is another common error, as onions should be placed just 1 inch deep with about 4 to 6 inches of spacing between plants. Start onions from seed indoors 10 to 12 weeks before your last frost date, or set out transplants in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, and always check your regional day-length requirements before selecting a variety.