Sturon
A dependable maincrop onion with good storage qualities and firm, globe-shaped bulbs.
When to plant Onions in Edinburgh
Allium cepa
A hardy allium for UK gardens, grown from sets. Plant spring sets for a summer crop, or named overwintering sets in autumn for an earlier lift. It needs free-draining soil, steady weeding, and a careful cure before storing.
45 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water
Calibrated to Edinburgh · last frost ≈ 4 May
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant out | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
Growing guide for
Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.
Plant spring sets for the simplest summer crop. This suits a sunny, free-draining bed.
01
Prepare the Bed
20 Mar to 4 AprWork the soil from 20th March - 4th April. It must drain freely and have a fine tilth. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure. Do not add fresh manure.
02
Plant Sets
30 Mar to 20 AprPlant spring sets from 30th March - 20th April, tips just showing. Space apart, in rows apart. Water in well.
- Birds lift sets. Cover with fleece or mesh until they root.
03
Keep Weed Free
30 Mar to 18 Aug Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom 30th March to 18th August, keep weeds down. Hand-weed close to the bulbs. Water in dry spells while the bulbs are swelling. Keep the soil moist, not soggy.
04
Lift and Cure Bulbs
17 Aug to 5 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stageLift bulbs through 17th August - 5th October, when the tops yellow and fall over. Dry them somewhere warm and airy for two to three weeks, then trim the roots and loose tops before storing.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Onion to consider
Red Baron
A reliable red onion with good colour and a steady crop from sets or transplants.
Senshyu Yellow
A well-known overwintering onion that can be planted in autumn for an early summer harvest in mild UK gardens.
Centurion
A widely grown, high-yielding set onion with good tolerance to bolting.
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