Grow Onions in Pakistan – Moji Mall Guide
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Growing onions (پیاز) at home is easy and rewarding if you start in the right season. Whether for salads, curries, or pickles, fresh homegrown onions are tastier, juicier, and free from chemicals. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for growing healthy onions at home in Pakistan.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Sowing Time | October to January |
| Ideal Temperature | 15°C to 25°C |
| Germination Time | 7–14 days |
| Transplant Time | 6–8 weeks after sowing |
| Spacing | 4–6 inches between plants |
| Harvest Time | 90–120 days after sowing |
Step 1: Sow Seeds 🌱
When to Sow:
- Sow seeds from October to January during the cool season.
- Ideal soil temperature for germination is 15°C to 25°C.
- Avoid sowing too late, as onions dislike growing in extreme heat.
How to Sow: Start seeds in seed trays or shallow beds. Sow seeds 0.25 inch deep in well-draining, compost-rich soil.
Germination Tips: Seeds germinate in 7–14 days. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the germination period.
Step 2: Transplant Seedlings 🌿
When to Transplant: Transplant when seedlings are 6–8 inches tall and about 6–8 weeks old.
How to Transplant: Carefully transplant into beds or large pots, spacing seedlings 4–6 inches apart to allow onion development.
Aftercare: Water well after transplanting. Choose a sunny location with loose soil for best growth.
Step 3: Care for Plants 🌞💧
Sunlight Needs: Onions need 6–8 hours of full sunlight daily to form healthy onions.
Watering: Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather. Reduce watering when onions start forming to prevent rotting.
Feeding Schedule: Add compost before planting. Feed once every 3–4 weeks with organic fertilizer or NPK 20-20-20 until onions start swelling.
Step 4: Protect Plants 🐛
Common Pests: Watch for onion thrips, aphids, and fungal diseases like downy mildew.
Natural Protection: Spray neem oil every 10–12 days (1 teaspoon neem oil + 1 liter water + few drops soap), focusing on leaf bases and undersides.
Common Problems:
- Yellow Leaves: May indicate overwatering or poor drainage — improve watering practices.
- Small Onions: Caused by overcrowding or insufficient sunlight — thin seedlings and choose sunny spots.
- Rotting Onions: Happens with excessive watering near harvest time — reduce watering when onions mature.
Step 5: Harvest Onions 🧅
When to Harvest: Onions are ready 90–120 days after sowing, when tops start yellowing, bending, and drying naturally.
How to Harvest: Gently pull up onions by hand or use a small garden fork. Cure them in a warm, dry place for 7–10 days before storage.
Bonus Tip: Proper curing improves storage life and flavor. Store onions in a cool, ventilated area after curing.
FAQs
Can I grow onions in pots?
Yes, grow onions in deep pots (at least 10–12 inches deep) with loose soil.
How long does it take for onions to grow?
Usually 90–120 days from sowing to full mature onions, depending on variety and weather.
Why are my onions small?
Small onions usually happen due to overcrowding, lack of sunlight, or late sowing.
Can I grow onions from kitchen scraps?
Yes, you can regrow green onion tops from the base of store-bought onions, but for full onions, fresh seeds or sets are better.
Should I water onions heavily during onion formation?
No, reduce watering once onions start swelling to prevent diseases and ensure firm onions.
Growing onions at home is simple once you get the timing and spacing right. With full sunlight, steady but light watering, and loose soil, you’ll enjoy a flavorful harvest of fresh pyaaz — perfect for all your kitchen needs.
