Onion
Allium cepa
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Description
Onions (Allium cepa) are biennial plants commonly cultivated as annuals for their edible bulbs. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, onions serve as a valuable component of the herbaceous layer in food forests. They are known for their pest-repelling properties due to their strong sulfur compounds, which deter many insects. Onions are excellent companions for carrots, beets, and lettuce, as they help to mask the scent of these plants from pests. Historically, onions have been used in various cultures for both culinary and medicinal purposes, valued for their flavor and health benefits. In regenerative systems, onions contribute to soil health by preventing erosion with their shallow root systems and enhancing biodiversity.
Growing Details
Onions thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost to enhance fertility. Mulching with straw or grass clippings helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like carrots, beets, and lettuce benefit from onions' pest-repelling properties. Avoid planting onions near peas and beans, as they can inhibit each other's growth. Harvest onions when the tops begin to yellow and fall over, typically in la
Edible Parts
Leaves
Flowers
Tags
Carbon Farming
Scented Plant
Erosion Preventing
Easy Propagating
Winter Edible
Colouring
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Allium cepa</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Central Asia
applicable geo region: Worldwide
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of Jun for 30 days
Harvest:
middle
of August for 30 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of February
Indoor Start:
beginning
of February
Transplant:
beginning
of April
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(5/5)
edible uses: Onions are consumed raw or cooked and are a fundamental ingredient in many dishes. The bulbs can be sliced for salads, caramelized for soups and stews, or used as a flavor enhancer in various cuisines. Onion greens can also be used as a garnish or in salads.
Medicinal Rating:
(4/5)
medicinal uses: Onions have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. They are believed to support cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and may help regulate blood sugar levels. Onion juice can be applied topically for its antimicrobial effects.
health concerns: Onions can cause allergic reactions in some individuals and may lead to digestive discomfort when consumed in large quantities. They should be consumed in moderation by individuals with sensitive stomachs.
other uses: Onion skins can be used as a natural dye, producing a range of colors from yellow to brown.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Allium cepa</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Allium cepa
common names: Onion; Bulb Onion; Common Onion
family: Amaryllidaceae
sub family: Allioideae
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Allium
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.1 m
spacing: 0.15 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Shallow
frost tender: Medium
hardness:
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(4/10)
first harvest: 1 years
life span: 2 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 0.6 m
max width: 0.1 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Onions thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost to enhance fertility. Mulching with straw or grass clippings helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like carrots, beets, and lettuce benefit from onions' pest-repelling properties. Avoid planting onions near peas and beans, as they can inhibit each other's growth. Harvest onions when the tops begin to yellow and fall over, typically in la
Potential Disturbances: Onion faces challenges from onion fly, thrips, and nematodes. Natural management strategies include introducing beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs to manage thrips. Planting marigolds nearby may deter nematodes. Neem oil or garlic spray can be used for ecological pressures.
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