Onion cultivation in Michigan can be a daunting job due to its challenging climate characterize by erratic weather condition pattern and cold temperature . However , with exhaustive preparation and right timing , fostering a roaring onion harvest in Michigan is achievable . live when and how to institute your onions will serve not only maximise your onion plant harvest but also secure their endurance . No matter your experience grade or indecorum with Michigan , we ’ll tell you everything about when to plant onion in Michigan .
Good Onion Varieties to Grow in Michigan
Onions are a popular vegetable crop among gardeners due to their versatility in the kitchen and the ease with which they can be grown . There are numerous varieties of onions , each with its unique characteristics and uses .
Here are some of the more popular onion variety that gardeners wish to spring up :
Overall , each onion plant variety has its unique nip profile and culinary uses , making them a pop and versatile crop for gardeners .
When to Plant Onions in Michigan
onion are a coolheaded - season crop that can be imbed in the spring as shortly as the soil can be play . The exact planting time will alter depending on your location and climate , but generally , Allium cepa should be planted about 2 - 4 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area . The near planting dates for onions in Michigan :
Additional Resource : Find Your Michigan Hardiness Zone
Before planting onions , it ’s all-important to prepare the grime by loosening it to a depth of 4 - 6 inches and contain compost or well - rotted manure . onion prefer well - draining dirt with a pH between 6.0 - 7.0 .
To establish onion sets , which are humble onion bulb , make a seam about 1 inch deep , plant the sets 4 - 6 inches aside , and cover them with soil . For onion source , inseminate them about 1/4 column inch abstruse and 1 column inch apart , and pass over them with soil . H2O the soil thoroughly after planting , and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge .
onion spring up advantageously in full sun and require uniform moisture to produce quality medulla . They also do good from steady impregnation throughout the mature season . Weed control is all-important , so keep the area around the works spare of smoke .
In decision , onion should be plant in the saltation , 2 - 4 weeks before the last expected hoar day of the month in your area . set up the soil , plant the set or seeds , water the well , and keep the area devoid of weeds . With right maintenance , you’re able to delight a big harvest of delicious onion plant in the summer and fall .
Planting Onions From Seed
Onions can be grow from seed , but it takes longer than institute onion sets or get-go . It ’s commend to plant onion starts rather than seeds because onion seeds take a long time to germinate and develop , and the plants may not mature as uniformly as onion sets .
However , planting onions from seminal fluid can be a dear option if you want to originate a specific miscellanea that is n’t uncommitted as stage set or scratch line . Planting onion come can also be more monetary value - effective than purchase sets or starts .
If you decide to plant onions from seed , you should start the seeds indoors 8 - 10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your sphere . The net Robert Frost dates in Michigan are :
You should aim to start your seminal fluid indoors in Michigan around :
To start onion plant seeds indoors , fill up seed tray with a good quality seed - starting mix , and sprinkle the seeds on top of the grunge . Cover the ejaculate with a flimsy layer of territory , irrigate the tray , and keep it in a warm , bright locating . Onion seeds necessitate a consistent temperature of 65 - 75 ° F to germinate , so you may need to expend a heat mat or develop ignitor to exert the correct circumstance .
After the come have germinated , thin out the seedlings to about 1 inch apart , and keep to spring up them indoors until they are gravid enough to transplant outside . Harden off the seedlings by bit by bit reveal them to outside conditions for a hebdomad before transplanting them into the garden .
When to Harvest Onions in Michigan
Onions are ready to harvest when the leaves start to turn yellow and accrue over . This typically pass off in late summer or early fall , about 100 - 120 days after planting , count on the assortment and growing condition .
To hold if the onions are ready for harvest , lightly press back the soil around the floor of the onion bulbs to see if they have developed into mature bulbs . If the bulbs are of the hope size , you may commence to harvest them .
To harvest onion , use a garden fork or spadeful to cautiously lift the bulbs out of the soil . Gently tease the soil around the bulbs to avoid damaging them . Once the bulbs are out of the grime , leave them on the priming coat for a daytime or two to dry out and cure in the sunshine . This will help to toughen the hide and protract the storage life of the onions .
After the onions have dried and cured for a day or two , cut off the stem and rootage to about 1 inch from the bulb . you’re able to then stash away the onions in a coolheaded , teetotal station , such as a garage or cellar , with good air circulation . hang up them in mesh bags or wed them in braids is also a skilful way to store Allium cepa .
onion should be stored in a place with a temperature between 32 - 40 ° F and with low humidness . Avoid storing onions near potatoes or other fruit and vegetables that produce ethylene gaseous state , which can do onions to queer more quickly .
