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Amaryllidaceae HERB OUTDOOR Placement Primary: Culinary Other Medicinal

Onion

Allium cepa

Identified By Marcs

The onion, scientifically known as Allium cepa, is one of the world's oldest cultivated vegetables and belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. Characterized by its layered underground bulb and hollow green leaves, it is a staple in kitchens globally due to its pungent aroma and versatile flavor profile. Onions thrive in temperate climates and require well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight. They are biennial plants typically grown as annuals for their edible bulbs. Beyond culinary uses, onions offer numerous health benefits, containing potent antioxidants, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory properties that support overall well-being and immune system health.

Also known as: Bulb onion Common onion

Toxicity & Safety

Is Onion toxic to pets?

Yes, toxic to pets.

Onions are extremely toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. They contain compounds like N-propyl disulfide, which damage red blood cells and can lead to Heinz body anemia, weakness, vomiting, and respiratory distress. Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe health complications, so keeping all forms of onions away from domestic animals is critical for their safety and long-term health.

Is Onion toxic to humans?

No, Onion is generally safe for humans.

Is Onion safe during pregnancy?

Generally considered safe during pregnancy.

Growth & Dimensions

Height 20 - 50 cm
Width 10 - 20 cm
Growth Rate Moderate
Care Level Easy
Lifespan Biennial

Ideal Environment

Temperature 10°C - 25°C
Sunlight Hours 6 - 10 hrs/day
Sun Exposure Full sun
Soil pH 6 - 7
Watering Interval 5 - 10 days
Humidity 40.00% - 70.00%
USDA Zone 3 - 9

Temperate Climates

Climate: Onions thrive best in cool weather during their early vegetative growth phase, followed by warm and sunny conditions for bulb maturation.

Soils: Loam Sandy loam Silt loam
Annual Rainfall: 350 - 700 mm

Native Regions

Central Asia
Middle East

How to Care for Onion

How should I handle consistent watering?

Onions require consistent moisture, especially while the bulbs are forming. Water them deeply whenever the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch. Avoid letting the soil become waterlogged, as this can easily cause root rot and fungal diseases to develop quickly. Reduce watering as the bulbs mature and the tops begin to yellow naturally near harvest time to encourage better storage quality.

How to Propagate Onion

How to propagate Onion by seed?

Start onion seeds indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected spring frost date. Plant the seeds approximately 0.5 cm deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix and keep them warm and moist. Once seedlings reach about 15 cm in height and have strong stems, harden them off gradually over the course of a week. Transplant the young seedlings directly into your prepared outdoor garden bed, spacing them about 10 cm apart in rows to allow sufficient room for the bulbs to expand fully as they mature.

Common Diseases & Pests of Onion

What is Downy Mildew and how is it treated?

Fungal
Symptoms:

Downy mildew typically manifests as pale green to yellow spots on the leaves, which soon turn into a grayish-purple fuzzy growth during humid conditions. Infected leaves eventually collapse, weaken the plant, and severely reduce the overall bulb size and marketable yield.

Treatment:

Apply approved copper-based fungicides or bio-fungicides at the very first sign of infection. Remove and destroy severely infected plant debris immediately to prevent the fungal spores from spreading further across your garden beds.

Prevention:

Ensure proper plant spacing to maximize air circulation between rows. Avoid overhead irrigation and water early in the morning so that any moisture on the foliage can evaporate quickly under the sun.

Properties & Benefits of Onion

Aromatic Plant

Uses & Health Benefits

What are the benefits of rich in antioxidants in Onion?

Onions are packed with potent antioxidants and sulfur-containing compounds that help fight cellular damage caused by free radicals in the body. Regular inclusion of onions in your daily diet supports cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and reducing cholesterol levels. Furthermore, they contain quercetin, a powerful flavonoid known for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antihistamine properties, which bolster immune defense and contribute to long-term vitality and overall wellness.

Precautions: Excessive raw onion intake may cause heartburn or digestive upset in individuals with sensitive stomachs or irritable bowel syndrome.

Key Nutrients / Compounds

Vitamin C moderate 7.4 mg / 100g

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