USDA Zone 8 presents a unique set of challenges and opportunity for onion cultivator , with its distinctive weather and clime conditions . With modest wintertime and hot summers , as well as vary grade of precipitation and soil quality , onion growers in this realm must take a tailor-made approach to planting and culture . In this article , we will wear down the best practices for planting onions in USDA Zone 8 , taking into account the orbit ’s singular weather and climate pattern that touch onion growth .
From selecting the correct onion variety and filth readying to planting proficiency , we provide hard-nosed advice and proven techniques for successful Allium cepa culture . Whether you ’re a seasoned onion raiser or a novice gardener , growing a tasty and bighearted harvest is an easy achievable goal in Zone 8 .
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Good Onion Varieties to Grow in Zone 8
onion are a democratic vegetable harvest among gardeners due to their versatility in the kitchen and the ease with which they can be develop . There are legion assortment of onion , each with its unique characteristics and uses .
Here are some of the more popular onion varieties that gardeners like to grow :
Overall , each onion kind has its unequaled flavor profile and culinary uses , make believe them a popular and versatile crop for gardeners .
When to Plant Onions in Zone 8
Onions are a cool - season craw that can be planted in the spring as shortly as the dirt can be work . The exact planting time will change depending on your location and mood , but loosely , onions should be planted about 2 - 4 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area . The near planting date for onions in Zone 8 is March 1st .
Before planting onions , it ’s all-important to prepare the stain by tease it to a depth of 4 - 6 inch and integrate compost or well - moulder manure . Onions favour well - drain grime with a pH between 6.0 - 7.0 .
To plant onion sets , which are small onion lightbulb , make a furrow about 1 inch bass , plant the sets 4 - 6 inches aside , and cover them with territory . For Allium cepa seed , sow them about 1/4 in deep and 1 column inch apart , and spread over them with grease . urine the territory thoroughly after planting , and keep the soil moist until the seedling come forth .
Onions raise best in full sun and involve consistent moisture to bring out timber incandescent lamp . They also gain from regular fertilization throughout the arise time of year . Weed control is of the essence , so keep the surface area around the plants free of weeds .
In finish , onions should be planted in the spring , 2 - 4 weeks before the last expected freeze date in your area . groom the grunge , implant the sets or seeds , water supply the well , and keep the area complimentary of locoweed . With proper precaution , you may enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious onions in the summertime and twilight .
Planting Onions From Seed
Onions can be grown from semen , but it takes longer than constitute onion plant solidification or starts . It ’s recommended to plant onion starts rather than seeds because onion ejaculate take a longer time to germinate and farm , and the plants may not maturate as uniformly as onion sets .
However , planting onions from seed can be a good option if you require to grow a specific variety that is n’t usable as set or head start . Planting onion seeds can also be more price - effective than buy sets or starts .
If you decide to plant onion plant from seed , you should start the seeds indoors 8 - 10 weeks before the last expected frost appointment in your area . In Zone 8 , your last frost date is March 28th . So you should take to start your seeds indoors around January 23rd .
To start onion seeds indoors , occupy source tray with a good quality seed - starting mixture , and sprinkle the seed on top of the soil . Cover the seeded player with a thin bed of soil , water the tray , and keep it in a affectionate , bright positioning . Onion seeds need a logical temperature of 65 - 75 ° F to burgeon forth , so you may need to use a oestrus mat or arise brightness to maintain the right conditions .
After the seeds have bourgeon , thin the seedling to about 1 column inch aside , and continue to turn them indoors until they are large enough to transfer outdoors . Harden off the seedling by gradually exposing them to out-of-door condition for a week before transfer them into the garden .
When to Harvest Onions in Zone 8
Onions are ready to reap when the leave bug out to plow yellow and precipitate over . This typically happens in late summer or former fall , about 100 - 120 days after planting , depending on the variety and growing conditions .
To contain if the onion plant are quick for harvest , softly push back the soil around the foot of the onion bulbs to see if they have developed into mature medulla . If the lightbulb are of the trust size , you’re able to start to glean them .
To harvest Allium cepa , use a garden crotch or digger to carefully lift the bulbs out of the stain . mildly untie the soil around the incandescent lamp to avoid damaging them . Once the bulbs are out of the ground , give them on the ground for a daylight or two to dry out and cure in the sun . This will help to toughen the skins and sustain the storage life of the onions .
After the onion have dry out and cured for a sidereal day or two , cut off the stems and ascendant to about 1 in from the medulla oblongata . you could then store the onions in a nerveless , juiceless place , such as a garage or basement , with good air circulation . Hanging them in mesh bag or tying them in braids is also a unspoiled means to store Allium cepa .
onion plant should be stash away in a plaza with a temperature between 32 - 40 ° F and with low humidity . Avoid hive away onion plant near potatoes or other fruits and vegetable that produce ethylene gas , which can get onions to bollix more quickly .
