onion

Also known as: tree onion; shallot

This is the original plant from which many varieties of onion, shallot and spring onion have been bred. It has hollow green or blue-green fleshy, deciduous leaves which are edible when young. The bulb will vary in size, shape, colour depending on the cultivar

Scientific classification

Species: onion (Allium cepa)
Genus: Allium
Family: Amaryllidaceae

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Toxicity: Herbs - Culinary · Bulbs
Plant type: 0.1-0.5 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Clump forming
Habit: Spring · Autumn · Summer
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

onion pictures

Distribution of onion

Distribution map

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of onion

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onion care guide

Regular even watering maintain damp soil, frequent supply leaf growth stage
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Regular even watering maintain damp soil, frequent supply leaf growth stage

Fertilizing

Weak bulb liquid feed applied once before spring leaf emergence phase

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by onion sets. See how to grow: onions or sowing vegetable seeds

Growing

Grow in fertile, moisture retentive, but well-drained soil in full sun. Thin-out young plants growing from seeds in spring. Yellowing and toppling of the foliage is a sign that the shallots are reaching maturity. Lift and store in a cool dry place. See how to grow: onions for further advice

More growing and care information →