Allium cepa Seeds | Onion
LATIN NAME: Allium cepa
COMMON NAME: Onion
Plant Profile
Onion (Allium cepa) grows as a bulb in the amaryllis family. Onion is round, golden bulb of cool field, and round, white flower heads rise on tall, hollow stalks in second season. Upright, biennial or perennial plant carries hollow, cylindrical leaves of blue-green and round, dense umbels of small, white or greenish flowers on tall, hollow stalks through early summer, to be followed by small, black seeds of round heads. It is a plant of open, sunny, rich, moist, well-drained ground. Gardeners value it precisely for this blend of qualities.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the amaryllis family, Allium cepa is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Breeders and collectors still work with it, so well-kept seed remains available.
Uses & Benefits
Onion brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Onion is a fine, historic plant of vegetable garden. Water well in dry spells, for round bulbs like steady moisture of open ground. Getting it going is easy; keeping it going is easier still.
The onion family is one of the great medicinal plant groups: garlic, onions, leeks and their kin supply sulfur compounds such as allicin that have been studied extensively for cardiovascular and antimicrobial effects. Regular allium consumption is associated with several benefits in population studies, and garlic remains one of the world’s best-selling herbal supplements.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Onion, and the process is uncomplicated. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Onion has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. Sun and good drainage cover most of its demands.
Related Reading
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