Onion Seeds

Homegrown onions have a depth of flavor and richness that store bought simply can not compete with! Onion seeds are easy to grow and are packed with nutrients, prebiotics and antibacterial properties. 

Which type of onion is best for your garden?

There are three different types of onions and picking the right type is key to growing a great crop.

Short-day onions are varieties that form bulbs as soon the days reach 10 to 12 hours in length. They’re perfect for southern gardeners below the 35th parallel whose days are slightly shorter throughout the growing season. If you grow short-day onions in the north, you’ll end up with tiny bulbs that go to flower early in the season because the bulbs stop growing as the days lengthen. 

Long-day onions are varieties that form bulbs when the days reach about 14 hours in length. They’re best for gardeners in the northern tier of the U.S. and Canada. Long-day onions won’t form bulbs south of the 35th parallel because the days aren’t long enough to trigger bulb formation. 

If you live somewhere across the mid-section of the U.S., grow day-neutral onion varieties (also called intermediate day). Varieties like these begin to set bulbs when days range from 12 to 14 hours in length.

Please note that germination rates for alliums (onions/shallots/chives/leeks) decline rapidly. We strongly encourage you to purchase new seed each growing season. If you want an in-depth guide to germination rates and viability, please see our blog post, "The Germination Explanation"