Onion problems

Keep mix evenly moist, like a wrung-out sponge, without leaving bulbs sitting in saturated soil. Water when the top 2–3 cm feels dry, then soak until excess drains. Steady moisture supports bulb swelling; complete drying can trigger bolting. In practice, water check containers daily in warm weather; plan for about 5–8 cm of water per week, more during heat or wind. Touch the top 2–3 cm of mix; water when it is dry and the container feels lighter, then irrigate until drainage runs clear. Containers dry faster than in-ground beds in summer; reduce frequency only after tops begin yellowing near harvest.

Onion needs bright, indirect light for steady indoor growth.

Onion is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Keep out of reach of curious pets and choose pet-safe alternatives for accessible spots.

Propagate Onion from healthy stem or root divisions during active growth.

Use loose, fertile, well-drained loam or sandy loam with moderate compost; pH about 6.0–7.0. Avoid heavy clay and constantly waterlogged media. A good mix includes 40% quality vegetable potting mix or screened loam, 30% mature compost, 30% perlite, coarse sand, or fine grit. Excellent drainage is essential; onions rot quickly in soggy, poorly aerated mix.

Repot Onion no routine repotting - start seeds or sets in the final deep container or bed for the season, ideally in cool-season sowing or set planting in local spring, or fall overwintering for short-day types where winters are mild. Signs it needs a bigger pot: bulbs were crowded with less than about 8–10 cm spacing, the planter is shallower than about 25 cm, drainage holes are blocked or the pot sits in standing water.