Onion Seeds,
Texas Early Grano

This short-day onion performs best in southern regions where day lengths are shorter during the growing season. Start seeds indoors three months before the last expected frost date in spring. Onions begin slowly, so this early start allows for adequate growth before transplanting. Transplant acclimated, stocky seedlings into the garden 4-6 weeks before the last frost of spring, as onions can tolerate light frosts. If you’re not sure how to find your area's day length or first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed trays or directly into the soil after the danger of frost has passed. Maintain a soil temperature of around 60 F for germination, which takes about 7-14 days. Space plants 4-6 inches apart with 12 inches between rows to give the bulbs plenty of room to develop.

Onions are heavy feeders. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost tea every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering. As the tops begin to yellow and fall over, stop watering to allow the bulbs to cure before harvest.

• Onions will cross with other onions, and occasionally they will cross with scallion types like Welsh onions and Hi Shi Ko bunching onions. Onions will never cross with leeks, chives or garlic.
• If you are growing types that will cross, try to isolate varieties by at least several hundred feet or ideally up to one mile.
• Onions are a biennial seed crop, so you will need to overwinter your first-year roots, ideally by digging them up and storing them for the winter. Replant in early spring, and allow onions to shoot up spikes of purple flowers.
• Let seeds become dry on the plants. Pick seeds when they are hard and dark black, then bring them indoors to finish drying.
• Once dry, separate the seeds from the husks or leave them on and plant them husks and all.