McKinstry Farms • Tips from Farmer Will
Plant Type: Biennial grown as Annual
Season: Spring to Early Summer
Varieties We Grow:
Yellow Onion
Red Onion
White Onion
Onions need full sun to develop big, healthy bulbs.
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."
Grow best in 55–75°F.
Bulb growth depends on day length, so spring planting is important.
Loose, sandy soil with lots of organic matter is ideal.
Fertilize lightly every 2–3 weeks until bulb formation starts.
Keep weeded — onions don't compete well.
Stop watering when tops fall over; harvest when 2/3 of tops are down.
Thrips: Tiny insects that damage leaves — rinse off with water or use neem oil.
Cure harvested onions in a warm, dry place for 2–3 weeks before storing.