How to Grow Cipollini White Onions

Cipollini White Onions are a small, flattened variety of onion that originated in Italy. They are known for their sweet and mild flavour and are often used in Italian cuisine. In this article, we'll take a look at how to grow Cipollini White onions in both metric and imperial units and Celsius and Fahrenheit temperatures.
  1. Look for heritage or heirloom seeds if possible, as these are often more flavorful and hardy.
  2. Onions prefer full sun, but they can also tolerate some shade. Make sure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
  3. Sow the seeds directly into the soil, about 1cm (0.4 inches) deep, and 10cm (4 inches) apart. If planting in rows, space them 30-45cm (12-18 inches) apart.
  4. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is particularly hot or dry.
  5. Thin the seedlings once the seedlings have emerged,  Thin them out to give them more room to grow.  Space them 5-7.5cm (2-3 inches) apart.
  6. Fertilise sparingly as onions don't require a lot of fertiliser, but a balanced fertiliser can help promote growth. Apply a slow-release fertiliser once a month.
  7. Harvest your onions when the tops begin to yellow and fall over. Simply lift them out of the ground with a garden fork or shovel.
Cipollini White onions are a delicious and nutritious addition to any kitchen. With these simple tips, you can easily grow your own crop in your garden or in containers on your balcony or patio. Enjoy the taste of fresh, homegrown onions all year round! Cipollini onions, including the white variety, are a good source of vitamin C, dietary fibre, and antioxidants. They can be enjoyed raw in salads or pickled, but are most often cooked to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance their flavour.
Plant Height 30 - 45 cm (1 - 1.5 feet)
Season of Interest Late Summer to Autumn
Temperature Range 15 - 25°C (59 - 77°F)
Annual / Perennial / Biennial Biennial (grown as an Annual)
Frost Hardy / Tender Tender
Full Sun / Part Sun / Shade Full Sun
Sow Direct / Raise Seedlings Sow Direct or Raise Seedlings
Seed Preparation No special preparation required
Sowing Depth 1 cm (1/2 inch)
Plant Spacing 7 - 10 cm (3 - 4 inches)
Row Spacing 30 - 45 cm (12 - 18 inches)
Watering Regular watering, especially during dry spells
Good Companion Plants Carrots, Lettuce, Spinach, Tomatoes, Beets, Chamomile, Marigolds, Basil, Sage
Bad Companion Plants Peas, Beans, Brassicas (such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage), Garlic, Shallots
Pests Onion Maggots, Nematodes
Diseases Downy mildew, White rot, Fusarium basal rot, Smut, Botrytis leaf blight

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When I started this journey in 2009, I found nothing existed commercially, that was reasonably priced and easy to use. There was a homemade system which I also found was not that user-friendly.

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