Description
Allium cepa, the common onion, is a biennial bulb closely related to chives (A. schoenoprasum), shallots (A. ascalonicum), and garlic (A. sativum). The blue-green, hollow, tubular leaves of onions are produced from a bulb, which is essentially a multilayered, modified leaf structure. The bulb has a shallow network of roots growing from its base, and as the plant becomes older, the bulb may protrude somewhat above ground.
Habitat
A biennial bulb, Allium cepa is closely related to garlic (Allium sativum), shallots (Allium ascalonicum), and chives (Allium schoenoprasum). Onions are characterized by hollow, tubular, blue-green leaves that arise from a bulb, which is essentially a multilayered modified leaf structure. As the bulb ages, it may partially protrude above ground because of a shallow network of roots growing from its base.
Uses
A wide range of conditions, including headache, fever, toothache, cough, sore throat, flu, baldness, epilepsy, rash, jaundice, constipation, flatulence, intestinal worms, low sexual arousal, rheumatism, body pain and cramps, high blood pressure, and diabetes, have all been treated with onions in traditional medicine.
Varieties
There are three primary onion categories available to select from:
When short-day onions receive 10 to 12 hours of daylight each day, they will start to develop bulbs. In southern places, where summer daylight is rather brief, they function well. The varieties “Southern Belle,” “White Bermuda,” “Granex,” and “Cipollini” are a few popular short-day onions.
The bulbs of long-day onions start to form when there are 14 to 16 hours of daylight per day. They work well in places in the north where summers are generally long. Walla Walla, Ring Master, Red Zeppelin, Yellow Sweet Spanish, Italian Red Torpedo, and Redwing are a few long-day onions that are suggested.
When day-neutral onions receive 12 to 14 hours of daylight every day, they start to develop into bulbs. Though they will yield well in most areas, they are good for gardeners in the central United States. Red Amposta, Early Yellow Globe, Cabernet, and Superstar are good varieties.
Plant Care
- Light
For healthy growth, onions require full daylight, or at least six hours of direct sunshine each day. When it comes to onions, more sunshine is better.
- Soil
The secret to effective onion production is good soil. The soil should have a high organic matter content and be very well-drained, even if it is sandy. It will work best in a loose loam. Additionally, the ideal pH range for soil is between neutral and slightly acidic.
- Water
Water is necessary on a regular basis for onions to support bulb swelling. Every week, give them one inch of water. However, avoid overwatering or leaving the bulbs in damp soil as these actions may induce bulb rot. Retaining soil moisture can be aided by a thin covering of mulch.
- Temperature and Humidity
For onion seeds to sprout, the temperature must be at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Onions thrive best at temperatures between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. As long as the soil’s moisture requirements are satisfied, humidity usually doesn’t matter.
- Fertilizer
Onions are feeders that can weigh a lot. To encourage leaf growth and large bulbs, fertilize them every few weeks with a high-nitrogen fertilizer. Refer to the product label for directions on how much to use. The leaf growing cycle is finished and no more fertilizer has to be applied after the soil starts to split where the bulb is forming.
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