Growing Onions from Seed in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

Growing onions from seed in the UK is a rewarding process that gives you access to a wide variety of onions, including unique heirloom types and long-storing varieties. While it requires a bit more patience than planting onion sets, starting from seed allows you to grow onions tailored to your needs and local conditions. With proper care, you can enjoy a plentiful harvest of fresh, flavorful onions.

This guide covers everything you need to know about growing onions from seed in the UK, from selecting seeds to harvesting your crop.

Table of Contents

1. Why Grow Onions from Seed in the UK?
2. Best Onion Varieties for the UK
3. When to Sow Onion Seeds in the UK
4. How to Grow Onions from Seed
   • Starting Indoors
   • Direct Sowing Outdoors
5. Ideal Growing Conditions for Onions in the UK
6. Caring for Onion Plants
7. How to Harvest and Store Onions
8. Common Problems When Growing Onions from Seed
9. FAQs About Growing Onions from Seed in the UK
10. Conclusion
11. Meta Description

Why Grow Onions from Seed in the UK?

Growing onions from seed offers several benefits:

• Access to More Varieties: Seeds allow you to grow unique or heirloom onions not available as sets.
• Cost-Effective: Seeds are cheaper than onion sets and produce a large number of onions.
• Longer Storage: Onions grown from seed often store better than those grown from sets.
• Tailored Growth: Seed-grown onions adapt better to local soil and climate conditions.

Best Onion Varieties for the UK

Choose varieties that thrive in the UK’s climate:

• Ailsa Craig: Large, mild onions perfect for fresh use.
• Sturon: Reliable and long-storing, ideal for beginners.
• Red Baron: Sweet, crisp red onions.
• Senshyu Yellow: Excellent for overwintering in the UK.
• Bedfordshire Champion: A classic, versatile variety for British gardens.

When to Sow Onion Seeds in the UK

1. Indoors:
   • Sow seeds in trays or pots 8-10 weeks before the last frost, typically from January to March.
2. Outdoors:
   • Direct sow seeds into prepared soil in March or April, once the soil is workable.

How to Grow Onions from Seed

Starting Indoors

1. Prepare Seed Trays:
   • Fill trays with seed-starting compost.
2. Sow Seeds:
   • Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and cover lightly with soil.
3. Water Gently:
   • Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
4. Provide Light:
   • Place trays on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights.
5. Transplanting:
   • When seedlings are 4-6 inches tall and the risk of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors.

Direct Sowing Outdoors

1. Prepare the Soil:
   • Enrich soil with compost or organic matter. Remove weeds and loosen the soil.
2. Mark Rows:
   • Space rows 12 inches apart.
3. Sow Seeds:
   • Plant seeds ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart.
4. Water:
   • Keep the soil moist until germination occurs, typically in 7-14 days.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Onions in the UK

1. Light:
   • Onions need full sun, ideally 6-8 hours daily.
2. Soil:
   • Use well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
3. Temperature:
   • Onions prefer temperatures between 10°C and 25°C.
4. Water:
   • Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.

Caring for Onion Plants

1. Thinning:
   • Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart for proper bulb development.
2. Weeding:
   • Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients.
3. Fertilizing:
   • Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 2-3 weeks until bulbs start forming.
4. Mulching:
   • Use a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

How to Harvest and Store Onions

1. When to Harvest:
   • Onions are ready when the tops turn yellow and fall over, typically 90-120 days after planting.
2. How to Harvest:
   • Use a fork to gently lift the bulbs from the soil.
3. Curing:
   • Dry onions in a warm, airy space for 2-3 weeks to extend their shelf life.
4. Storage:
   • Store cured onions in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. Avoid storing near potatoes.

Common Problems When Growing Onions from Seed

1. Poor Germination:
   • Cause: Old seeds or incorrect planting depth.
   • Solution: Use fresh seeds and plant at the correct depth.
2. Bolting:
   • Cause: Temperature fluctuations.
   • Solution: Use bolt-resistant varieties and water consistently.
3. Pests:
   • Onion Flies: Protect plants with insect netting.
   • Aphids: Spray with soapy water or use neem oil.
4. Fungal Diseases:
   • Cause: Overcrowding and damp conditions.
   • Solution: Ensure proper spacing and good air circulation.

FAQs About Growing Onions from Seed in the UK

1. How long do onions take to grow from seed?
   • Typically 4-5 months from sowing to harvest.
2. Can I grow onions from seed indoors?
   • Yes, start seeds indoors and transplant them outdoors when the weather warms.
3. Do onions need full sun?
   • Yes, they require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
4. What’s the best soil for onions?
   • Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
5. Can I sow onion seeds directly outdoors?
   • Yes, sow seeds in March or April when the soil is workable.
6. How do I prevent bolting?
   • Plant at the right time and choose bolt-resistant varieties.
7. What’s the best fertilizer for onions?
   • Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer during growth and a potash-rich fertilizer for bulb formation.
8. Can I grow onions in containers?
   • Yes, onions grow well in containers with at least 10-12 inches of depth.
9. How do I store harvested onions?
   • Cure them thoroughly and store in a cool, dry, and ventilated space.
10. What are the easiest onion varieties to grow from seed?
    • Sturon, Red Baron, and Ailsa Craig are beginner-friendly options.

Conclusion

Growing onions from seed in the UK is a rewarding and cost-effective way to enjoy fresh, flavorful onions. With proper preparation, care, and attention to local conditions, you can cultivate a successful crop. Whether you’re growing in a garden or containers, follow this guide to enjoy a bountiful harvest of homegrown onions.