develop onions in Iowa can be a rewarding experience , but it requires thrifty consideration of the state ’s unique climate and grunge condition . From spicy summer to cold winters and fluctuating precipitation , Iowa ’s weather condition can be irregular and challenging for onion agriculturalist . Choosing the right metre to set is all-important to the success of the craw , surprise freeze conditions can write ruination for any onion craw . With the noesis below any nurseryman will be ready to grow the best onion possible .
Good Onion Varieties to Grow in Iowa
Onions are a popular vegetable crop among gardeners due to their versatility in the kitchen and the easiness with which they can be grown . There are legion varieties of onions , each with its unique characteristics and uses .
Here are some of the more democratic Allium cepa varieties that gardeners like to grow :
Overall , each Allium cepa variety has its unique flavor visibility and culinary uses , making them a popular and versatile crop for gardeners .
When to Plant Onions in Iowa
onion are a nerveless - time of year crop that can be planted in the give as soon as the soil can be turn . The exact planting fourth dimension will vary depend on your position and mood , but generally , onions should be planted about 2 - 4 week before the last expected frost engagement in your field . The onion planting dates in Iowa are :
Additional Resource : bump Your Iowa Hardiness Zone
Before planting onion , it ’s essential to prepare the grease by loosening it to a depth of 4 - 6 inches and contain compost or well - rot manure . Onions favor well - draining soil with a pH between 6.0 - 7.0 .
To implant Allium cepa sets , which are small onion bulbs , make a furrow about 1 column inch deep , plant the sets 4 - 6 column inch aside , and cover them with land . For onion plant germ , sow them about 1/4 inch mysterious and 1 column inch apart , and cover them with soil . Water the soil thoroughly after planting , and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge .
Onions grow best in full Sunday and require coherent wet to produce quality bulbs . They also do good from regular fertilization throughout the growing season . Weed dominance is essential , so keep the area around the plants free of weeds .
In ending , onion should be institute in the spring , 2 - 4 weeks before the last expected frost escort in your area . Prepare the soil , plant the sets or seminal fluid , water the well , and keep the area barren of weeds . With right care , you may enjoy a giving harvest of yummy onions in the summer and fall .
Planting Onions From Seed
Onions can be grow from seed , but it take longer than planting Allium cepa solidification or outset . It ’s recommended to set onion starts rather than semen because Allium cepa cum take a longer time to develop and grow , and the plant may not suppurate as uniformly as onion sets .
However , planting onion from semen can be a salutary choice if you desire to grow a specific sort that is n’t available as set or starts . Planting onion seed can also be more price - effective than buy circle or start .
If you decide to plant onions from seeded player , you should start the seeds indoors 8 - 10 weeks before the last expected hoarfrost date in your area . If you decide to plant onions from source , you should startle the seeds indoors 8 - 10 weeks before the last expected frost particular date in your area . The final Robert Frost dates in Iowa are :
In Iowa , start your onion sow indoors around :
To get going onion plant seed indoors , fulfil seed tray with a skilful timber source - starting mix , and sprinkle the seminal fluid on top of the soil . Cover the seeds with a tenuous layer of soil , irrigate the tray , and keep it in a warm , bright location . Onion seeded player want a consistent temperature of 65 - 75 ° F to germinate , so you may ask to use a heat mat or rise light to maintain the right precondition .
After the seeds have germinated , thin the seedlings to about 1 column inch apart , and carry on to grow them indoors until they are gravid enough to transplant alfresco . Harden off the seedlings by bit by bit exposing them to outside conditions for a calendar week before transfer them into the garden .
When to Harvest Onions in Iowa
onion are quick to harvest when the parting begin to turn yellow and fall over . This typically happens in late summer or other fall , about 100 - 120 Day after plant , depending on the variety and develop conditions .
To hold back if the onions are quick for harvest , gently crusade back the soil around the base of the onion plant bulbs to see if they have developed into mature bulbs . If the bulbs are of the desired size , you could originate to harvest them .
To glean Allium cepa , apply a garden forking or shovel to carefully vacate the bulbs out of the soil . mildly relax the soil around the bulb to avoid damaging them . Once the lightbulb are out of the soil , leave them on the ground for a day or two to dry out out and cure in the sunlight . This will help to toughen the skins and prolong the storage life of the onion .
After the onions have dried and cure for a Clarence Shepard Day Jr. or two , prune off the stem and roots to about 1 column inch from the electric light . you’re able to then salt away the onion plant in a cool , ironic place , such as a service department or cellar , with undecomposed air circulation . Hanging them in mesh bags or tying them in gold braid is also a good way to store onion .
Onions should be stored in a plaza with a temperature between 32 - 40 ° F and with abject humidity . Avoid hive away onions near potatoes or other fruits and vegetables that bring about ethylene gas , which can cause onions to spoil more quickly .
