Onion (Allium cepa)
Care, watering, light and tips for Onion on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Onion
Allium cepa, commonly known as the onion, is a biennial herbaceous plant typically cultivated as an annual, renowned for its edible bulb widely used in cuisine. Its leaves are tubular and hollow, blue-green in color, and when flowering, it produces a tall floral stalk with a spherical inflorescence of small white or purple flowers. It is ideal for home vegetable gardens and herb patches, providing both culinary value and rustic visual appeal.
Native range
Central Asia
Care tips
Onions require full sun, at least 6-8 hours daily, for optimal bulb development. They need regular and consistent watering, especially during bulb formation, but avoid waterlogging to prevent fungal diseases. They prefer well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0), enriched with organic matter. A common mistake to avoid is planting onions too deep, which can inhibit bulb development.
How to save a dying Onion
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or soft leaves from base, soft or moldy bulb, stunted growth.
- First aid
- Remove bulb, inspect roots. Cut off soft/rotted parts with clean knife. Air dry 1-2 days before replanting.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing bulb rot; poor drainage; planting too deep suffocating the bulb.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't consumed the entire bulb. Act fast by trimming damage and ensuring good drainage.