Onions
McKinstry Farms • Tips from Farmer Will
Plant Type: Biennial grown as Annual
Season: Spring to Early Summer
Varieties We Grow:
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Yellow Onion
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Red Onion
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White Onion
Light
Onions need full sun to develop big, healthy bulbs.
Water
Water consistently but avoid soaking. About 1 inch per week is ideal.
Reduce watering as the tops begin to yellow and fall over.
Farmer Will's Tip:
"Onions like it damp early and dry late."
Temperature
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Grow best in 55–75°F.
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Bulb growth depends on day length, so spring planting is important.
Soil and Fertilizer
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Loose, sandy soil with lots of organic matter is ideal.
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Fertilize lightly every 2–3 weeks until bulb formation starts.
Care Tips
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Keep weeded — onions don't compete well.
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Stop watering when tops fall over; harvest when 2/3 of tops are down.
Common Problems
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Thrips: Tiny insects that damage leaves — rinse off with water or use neem oil.
Good to Know
Cure harvested onions in a warm, dry place for 2–3 weeks before storing.