Growing onions in containers is a perfect method of ensuring
year-round access to fresh produce. Planting onions calls for soil pH
considerations and light availability. Planting in containers also comes
with the added call for wise variety choices. For example, bulb-forming
onions have different habitat needs than green onions. Get your
container garden off to a good start today.
Select appropriate Varieties
Growing onions in containers begins by choosing the varieties that are most likely to thrive in this environment. Texas A&M
suggests planting three to five green onion plants in a one-gallon
container. Appropriate varieties include Crysal Wax and Evergreen
Bunching.
When growing onions from seed, they will germinate in
about six to eight days, do well in partial shade and can be harvested
within 80 to 100 days of seeding. In contrast, the Egyptian walking
onion can be grown indoors but does not produce the famous top-sets
until the second year. Not surprisingly, they are not good container
onions to consider - if same-year harvesting is desired.
How to grow Onions the right Way
Green onions require approximately six to seven hours of sunlight to
thrive. Shady conditions may lead to slow growing specimens, although
partial shade may be tolerated. In a pinch, supplement natural light
with artificial lighting from fluorescent bulbs. The Gardening Patch suggests that you start with a nutrient-rich soil that features a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.
Stagger your planting schedule for year-round access to onions ready
for harvest. If you instead choose to plant all the seeds at the same
time, you must have appropriate room to dry and store the plants after
harvesting. Although usually edible no matter how far along in the
growth season, it is high time to harvest the onions when the tops
yellow and go limp.
What about larger Onions?
Can
you plant larger onions in a container garden? Yes! However, spatial
considerations are one of the downfalls when it comes to onion container
gardening. While green onions are good options, those that form large
bulbs - most commonly the yellow Granex or red Grano - present a very
real challenge. For example, it is possible to grow about three
large-bulb onions in a five gallon container, but only if each bulb is
surrounded by approximately three inches of unencumbered soil.
Remember to also explore drainage options, such as trays, since onions
need frequent and deep watering. At the same time, they abhor getting
"wet feet," which leads to quick root rot. As a general rule of thumb,
if the top of the soil feels dry to the touch, it is time to water.
Soils that went too long in between waterings have a difficult time
holding on to the water. Rehydrate the soil by placing the container
into a water bath and allowing the liquid to saturate the dirt.
