In Zone 8b , gardener have the advantage of being able to grow a smorgasbord of onions . However , when it follow to bulbing onion , it is important to choose short - 24-hour interval varieties that are suitable for this region . Some of the best Allium cepa to grow in Zone 8b let in ‘ Grano ’ , ‘ Granex ’ , and various cross such as ‘ Texas SuperSweet ’ and ‘ Burgundy ’ .
One option for produce these onions is to begin them from seed in the fall . This reserve the onions to establish themselves during the cooler month and develop impregnable roots before the arrival of warmer weather . start onion from seed also gives gardeners a wider selection of varieties to choose from .
When planting onion from germ , it is important to bulge out them indoors or in a greenhouse about 8 - 10 hebdomad before the last Robert Lee Frost date . This will give the onions enough time to develop before being transplant into the garden . The seminal fluid can be seed in flat or individual pots , and should be observe in a warm , well - light up expanse until they burgeon forth .
Once the seedling are around 4 - 6 in magniloquent and have a few set of leave of absence , they can be transplant into the garden . It is best to choose a location that incur full sun and has well - drained soil . Onions favor loose , fertile soil , so incorporating compost or well - rotted manure before planting can be beneficial .
When transplanting the seedlings , make indisputable to space them about 4 - 6 inch asunder to allow for proper bulb development . softly separate the seedling and implant them at the same depth they were growing in the containers . pee the transplant thoroughly after establish to help them nail down in .
If starting onions from seed seems like a daunting chore , transplants can also be buy and set out in the garden in January . This can save meter and ensure a more reproducible craw . face for short - solar day onion transplants at local nurseries or garden centers .
Once the onions are plant , it is important to provide them with right fear throughout the growing season . onion plant require coherent wet , so tearing deep and regularly is essential . However , be careful not to overwater , as onions do not wish to sit in sluggish grunge .
Weeds should be see to it to prevent competition for food and water supply . Applying a stratum of mulch around the onion industrial plant can serve suppress green goddess and conserve moisture . Additionally , fecundate the onions every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer can promote healthy growth .
Harvesting onions can be done when the top start to move around yellow-bellied and fall over . Gently get up the onion out of the soil and admit them to dry in a well - ventilated country for a week or two . Once the onions have dry out , they can be stash away in a cool , teetotal spot for several calendar month .
For gardeners in Zone 8b , short - day bulbing onions like ‘ Grano ’ , ‘ Granex ’ , ‘ Texas SuperSweet ’ , and ‘ Burgundy ’ are excellent selection . Whether start from seed in the declivity or set out transplants in January , these onion plant can flourish in the mild climate of this realm . With right guardianship and aid , gardeners can love a bountiful harvesting of delicious onion .
Caroline Bates
