plant

Onion

Allium cepa

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Onion (Allium cepa) — a plant, for Full sun, Medium water. Companions: Asparagus, Cabbage.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun
Watermedium

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomassedible bulb and leaves

Companions

Keep apart from

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceSeeds germinate and seedlings emerge when soil temperatures reach 5 C or above.
floweringFlowering is triggered by long days after a period of cold temperatures (vernalization).
fruitingFruit (seed heads) develop after flowering.
harvestBulbs are typically harvested in late summer when tops begin to fall over.
dormancyPlants enter dormancy with the onset of cold temperatures and first autumn frosts.
senescenceFoliage dies back with the first autumn frosts.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalNo
Soil texturesandy loam, loam
Organic matterLow
Compaction toleranceLow

Propagation

Methodsseed, sets
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~1 yr
Stratificationnone
Self-seedingLight

Wildlife & pests

Attractspollinators
Repelscarrot rust fly, aphids
Can host diseasesonion downy mildew, pink root