Early Giant Leeks

Onions require well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0 and full sun. Start onions indoors and transplant outdoors when soil temperature has risen to 68-75F. Bunching onions: 24 seeds/ft. rows 12-18" apart. Thin to one per inch. Bulbing onions: 12 seeds/ft. rows 12-18" apart. Thin to one every 4 inches.

Water at least one inch per week, particularly during bulbing.

Fertilize once prior to transplanting or planting, and throughout the growing season. Onions are heavy feeders.

Onions can be ready to harvest as young green onions or left to bulb. When necks become soft and tops are falling over, pull and sun-cure at least 2-7 days, depending on weather. Move to a protected location to finish drying. When dry, clip off tops and roots and store in onion bags or shallow boxes at near freezing and 65-70% humidity.

Bulbing in onions is triggered by daylength. Short day onions are best for southern states, whereas long day onions are better for northern states.