DavidOnions are a staple in most households across the United States. They are easy to grow and have a long growing season. This guide will help you successfully grow onions in Texas.
These are the steps to grow onions in Texas. Select a suitable location, prepare your farmland, select an onion variety to grow, and know when to plant your onions, planting method, onion management, and harvesting.
This article is about how to grow onions in Texas. It includes some tips on what to do before planting, as well as a list of the best onion varieties for this region with detailed step-by-step instructions on planting and growing!
How To Grow Onions In Texas
If you’re looking to grow onions in Texas, here are some helpful tips on growing onions in Texas.
Step 1: Select A Suitable Location
Site selection is important and will determine how big your onion will grow. That’s why you should take this step seriously.
An ideal location to plant onions must receive lots of direct sunlight, minimum of 8 hours per day. Also, the soil on the site must be loose, fertile, and drains water well.
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Step 2: Prepare Your Farmland
Try to get your farmland ready for planting far ahead of the planting season. If possible, it should be done 2 months in advance. Till the ground and spread manure first.
To help level out your soil if it is particularly rocky, sandy, or clay-rich, add some potting soil. In addition, check the pH of your soil and add any necessary ingredients to get it to a pH between 6 and 7.5.
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To successfully grow onions, heavy, compacted soils must be amended with nutrients and organic material. Compost and expanded shale can be added to the soil before planting to improve its nutrient content.
Fill new beds with a 50/50 mixture of topsoil and compost for raised beds, which are the best option for onions. However, during their first growing season, new raised beds occasionally experience fertility problems.
Step 3: Select Onion Variety To Grow
There are varieties of onions that you can choose from. There are short-day, intermediate-day, and long-day varieties. Since you will be growing your onions in Texas, you should choose the short to intermediate-day onions.
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With the above feature in mind, it is best to choose any of the following short to intermediate varieties such as Texas supersweet, yellow granex (Vidalia), white granex, white bermuda, red creole, and southern belle red onion.
If you want to buy your onion seedlings, you should visit the local nurseries and perhaps farmers to buy your onions. If you can’t find any locally, there are several internet vendors selling onions that you can grow.
Step 4: Know When To Plant Your Onions
You must know the appropriate time to plant your onions. In Texas, the best period to plant onions is between January to late February. The reason has been that the size of the matured bulb will depend on how many leaves an onion plant has at the time of bulbing. The more leaves, the larger the bulb gets.
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Step 5: Planting Method
You can choose to plant onions either from seed, set, or transplant. You can choose to plant your onions following any of these methods.
Planting from Seed
As previously stated, planting from seed takes two years. The seed must be sown with just enough time for it to grow as the weather cools, but not enough time for it to “bud.” The best time to plant seed is from mid-to-late October.
You can dig trenches and then arrange the plants in them. You can also make a separate hole for each plant. Plant each onion seed about two inches deep in the ground.
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Planting Onion Sets
Onion sets look similar to miniature dried onion bulbs. Onion sets can be planted in rich, loose soil at least 4 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart to give the bulbs room to grow.
Transplanting Onion
Transplanting onions is the commonest and most preferred choice of growing onions. Onion transplants look like small green onions about the size of a pencil.
To transplant your onion-sprouted plant, you should sow in rich, loose soil at least 3/4″ – 1″ deep and 4″ apart to allow for bulb development. If not planted right away, store it in a cool, dry place.
They can tolerate drying out for a week or two and will sprout again. Before planting, avoid getting the bulbs wet.
After planting, water thoroughly but don’t overwater as this can cause the roots to rot and die off.
Step 6: Onion Management
You must maintain your onion farm. Routinely carry out the following task to allow your onions to grow
Weeding
Onions are delicate plants with a delicate root structure that is easily injured or harmed by weeds and twirling. Instead of plucking weeds, use a hoe to remove the tops of those that appear; pulling the weeds may pull out the onions’ roots, making growing difficult.
Regular Watering
You should also water your onions once a week with about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water and supplement with a nitrogen fertilizer once a month for nutrition.
Mulching
To keep moisture in and weeds out, apply a thin layer of mulch between each plant immediately after planting.
Onions are massive feeders that require a steady supply of nitrogen for healthy leaf growth.
Fertilizer Application
You must incorporate a balanced fertilizer or high-quality compost into the soil before planting. Fertilize onions every two to three weeks after planting with a high-nitrogen fertilizer such as blood meal (organic), neem seed meal (organic), or ammonium sulfate.
When the onion begins to the bulb, stop fertilizing. This is from late April to early June in our area, depending on the day length of your onion.
Step 7: Harvesting
When the necks of onion bulbs soften, the leaves turn yellow, and the tops begin to fall over, it is the best sign that your onions are ready to harvest. Begin harvesting when one-quarter to one-third of the tops have fallen over in our region.
You should gently pull or lift the onions from the ground, and move the onions immediately to a sheltered area out of the sun with good airflow. This can be the final curing location or a temporary drying location.
Variety of Onions in Texas
Texas has several varieties of onions that can be grown in different regions of the state. Some of the popular onion varieties that can be grown in Texas include:
- Yellow onions
- Red onions
- White onions
- Sweet onions
- Green onions
These varieties differ in their taste, texture, and appearance, and have different growing requirements.
Onion Prices in Texas
The price of onions in Texas varies depending on the region, season, and supply and demand factors. On average, a pound of onions can cost between $0.50 and $1.50, while a bag of onions can cost between $2 and $5. Prices may be higher during the offseason when supply is low, while prices may be lower during the peak season when supply is high.
Best Agronomic Practices to Grow Onions in Texas
To grow onions successfully in Texas, it is essential to follow the best agronomic practices. Some of the best agronomic practices that you can engage in to grow onions in Texas include:
- Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter.
- Irrigation: Provide adequate water to the plants to ensure proper growth and development.
- Fertilization: Apply appropriate fertilizers at the right time to provide the plants with essential nutrients.
- Pest and Disease Control: Monitor the plants regularly for pests and diseases and use appropriate control measures when necessary.
- Harvesting: Harvest the onions at the right time to ensure optimal quality and yield.
Projected Profit of Onions in Texas
The profitability of onion farming in Texas depends on several factors, including the yield, market demand, and input costs. On average, a well-managed onion farm can yield between 20 and 30 tons per hectare. If sold at the current market prices, a farmer can earn between $10,000 and $15,000 per hectare. However, this figure may vary depending on the region, season, and market demand.
Common Diseases and Pests of Onions
Onions in Texas are susceptible to various diseases and pests. Some of the common diseases and pests of onions include:
- Onion maggots: These are small larvae that feed on the roots and bulbs of the plants, causing stunted growth and reduced yield. Treatment involves using insecticides and practicing good cultural practices.
- Fusarium basal rot: This is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves and rotting of the bulbs. Treatment involves applying fungicides and practicing good cultural practices.
- Thrips: These are small insects that feed on the leaves and stems of the plants, causing distorted growth and reduced yield. Treatment involves using insecticides or introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.
Different Propagation Methods of Onions
Onions can be propagated through various methods, including:
- Seed sowing: This involves sowing seeds directly into the soil.
- Transplanting: This involves raising seedlings in a nursery and transplanting them into the field.
- Bulb sets: This involves planting small bulbs that have been grown the previous year.
Each propagation method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on factors such as the scale of production, availability of resources, and the growing environment.
Variety of Onions in Texas
Texas has several varieties of onions that can be grown in different regions of the state. Some of the popular onion varieties that can be grown in Texas include:
- Yellow onions
- Red onions
- White onions
- Sweet onions
- Green onions
These varieties differ in their taste, texture, and appearance, and have different growing requirements.
Onion Prices in Texas
The price of onions in Texas varies depending on the region, season, and supply and demand factors.
On average, a pound of onions can cost between $0.50 and $1.50, while a bag of onions can cost between $2 and $5.
Prices may be higher during the offseason when supply is low, while prices may be lower during the peak season when supply is high.
Best Agronomic Practices to Grow Onions in Texas
To grow onions successfully in Texas, it is essential to follow the best agronomic practices. Some of the best agronomic practices that you can engage in to grow onions in Texas include:
- Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter.
- Irrigation: Provide adequate water to the plants to ensure proper growth and development.
- Fertilization: Apply appropriate fertilizers at the right time to provide the plants with essential nutrients.
- Pest and Disease Control: Monitor the plants regularly for pests and diseases and use appropriate control measures when necessary.
- Harvesting: Harvest the onions at the right time to ensure optimal quality and yield.
Projected Profit of Onions in Texas
The profitability of onion farming in Texas depends on several factors, including the yield, market demand, and input costs.
On average, a well-managed onion farm can yield between 20 and 30 tons per hectare. If sold at the current market prices, a farmer can earn between $10,000 and $15,000 per hectare.
However, this figure may vary depending on the region, season, and market demand.
Common Diseases and Pests of Onions
Onions in Texas are susceptible to various diseases and pests. Some of the common diseases and pests of onions include:
- Onion maggots: These are small larvae that feed on the roots and bulbs of the plants, causing stunted growth and reduced yield. Treatment involves using insecticides and practicing good cultural practices.
- Fusarium basal rot: This is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves and rotting of the bulbs. Treatment involves applying fungicides and practicing good cultural practices.
- Thrips: These are small insects that feed on the leaves and stems of the plants, causing distorted growth and reduced yield. Treatment involves using insecticides or introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.
Different Propagation Methods of Onions
Onions can be propagated through various methods, including:
- Seed sowing: This involves sowing seeds directly into the soil.
- Transplanting: This involves raising seedlings in a nursery and transplanting them into the field.
- Bulb sets: This involves planting small bulbs that have been grown the previous year.
Each propagation method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on factors such as the scale of production, availability of resources, and the growing environment.
What Month Do You Plant Onions In Texas?
Since short-day variety onions are commonly planted, the month of January through mid-February is the best time to plant onions in Texas.
How Long Does It Take Texas Onions to Grow?
Growing onions from seed in Texas will take 2-years to grow into maturity. But it can grow in 90 days or more if transplanted.
Can I Plant Onions Now in Texas?
You can plant onions in Texas if it is planted at the right time in the fall and provided the needed soil and climate condition to grow.
What is the Secret to Growing Onions?
Adequate watering, planting under full sunlight, and the right fertilizer application are the secret to growing quality large onions.
How Do I Get My Onions To Grow Bigger?
If you want your onions to grow bigger, you should select the right onion variety, plant in the right season, control weeds, water, and apply the right amount of fertilizer.
How Many Onions Will One Onion Grow?
One onion plant can produce up to 1-onion.
Do Onions Need Full Sun?
Full sun is one of the major requirements when growing onions. Planting your onions in sunlight location will help them germinate and yield produce bulbs.
How Do You Fertilize Onions?
Applying fertilizer to your onion plant will enhance the germination process. You should apply liquid fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen to your onions.
Can I Plant Onions In February?
You can plant your onions in February. Make sure you plant it in a suitable location with the required soil and climate properties.
How Long Do Onions Take To Grow?
If you are growing onions from seed, it will take 2-years to grow into maturity. But it can grow in 90 days or more if transplanted.
How Much Water Do Onions Plants Need?
Onions require regular watering but should not be waterlogged. Therefore, onions require 1 inch of water per week.
How Deep Do You Plant Onions?
Planting your onion at the appropriate depth is important so that the seed will not be exposed to harsh weather or picked up by pests. When planting your onions, you should plant at 1 to 2 inches in depth.
Do Onions Like Coffee Grounds?
Onions like coffee grounds because they contain nitrogen which is a vital nutrient for onions. You should sprinkle the coffee grounds on the farm bed and water them or allow rainwater to sink them below the soil.
How Many Times Should I Water My Onion In A Day?
Regular watering is an important activity that let your onions grow well. You should water your onions throughout the germination stage twice daily. When it is mature you can water it once a day.
Do Onions Come Back Every Year?
Onions go dormant during the winter season and come back to full life in spring when the soil warms up making it possible to come back every year.
Do Onions Like Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt is beneficial to onions as it contains vital nutrients the plant needs to thrive.
Should Onions Be Topped?
If you want your onions to develop bigger bulbs, you can top the soil as a means of trimming young onion plants.
Why Are My Onions Not Forming Bulbs?
There are several reasons why your onions may not form bulbs. It could be that you choose the wrong onion variety for your location, and or poor onion management and care.
Can I Plant Onions In May In Texas?
Planting onions in May is not advisable. However, the golden rule is to plant onions during 4-6 weeks before the last spring freeze. In Texas, this period usually falls from late January through mid-February.
Can You Plant Onions In April?
Between March and April, you can plant your onions outdoors.
Can I Plant Onions In February?
You can plant onions in February. This is the best time to plant your onions because the climate is conducive during this period.
How Long Do Onions Take To Grow?
Onions can grow to maturity within 4 to 5 months after planting.
How To Grow Onions In Pots
If you want to plant onions in pots but don’t know how to go about it, below are 10 vital steps you should follow.
Step 1: Purchase your planting pot
Step 2: Select your onion variety
Step 3: Prepare your onion seed
Step 4: Prepare potting mix or compost
Step 5: Fill the pot with soil or compost
Step 6: Plant the onion cutting and cover with a 2-inch soil
Step 7: Water the immediately after planting
Step 8: Place in a sunny location
Step 9: Apply nitrogenous fertilizer
Step 10: Harvest
When To Plant Onions In South Texas
The month of January through February is the ideal period to plant onions in South Texas.
When To Plant Onions In Houston
If you are in Houston and you want to plant onions, it is best to wait till late January through mid-February.
When To Plant Onions In Central Texas
In Central Texas, onions should be planted within 4-6 weeks before the last average spring freeze which typically falls in late January to mid-February.
When To Plant Onions In North Texas
In North Texas, late January to mid-February is the ideal planting period to grow onions.
How Many Onions Grow From One Bulb
One onion bulb can only produce one onion if planted under preferred conditions.
When To Plant Onions In California
Onions are first planted indoors between November through January and then transplanted between January to March in California.
When to Plant 1015 Onions In Texas
1015 onions are a unique onion variety known for their distinct off-white to yellow color. Also, it has a unique flavor and the planting date is October 15 of every year.
Conclusion
If you are tired of buying onions and want to start growing yours, the steps discussed in this material will guide you from the beginning to the end. Ensure you read through the simple steps compiled here to successfully grow onions in Texas.
