How to Grow Onions Guide

Growing Non-GMO Stuttgarter Yellow Onion Sets

Stuttgarter Yellow Onions are a delight for gardeners seeking a versatile and flavorful addition to their harvest. Begin by choosing a well-draining area that receives full sunlight. Ensure the soil is free of rocks and debris, working it to a depth of 8-10 inches. For optimal results, consider adding 2-3 pounds of complete fertilizer per 100 square feet. Plant onion sets outdoors in the spring, once the soil is workable and temperatures are no longer expected to fall below 28 F (typically in late March or April). Plant sets with the pointed end up 1-2 inches deep and 2-3 inches apart. Thin to 3-6 inches apart during the green onion stage (6-8 inches tall). Once planted, provide moderate watering, especially during dry, windy weather.

Watering once a week is generally sufficient, increasing during dry spells. Deep watering aids robust root development. Regular weeding, done carefully to avoid root damage, contributes to good plant health. Fertilize when onion plants have 5-6 leaves to support bulb development. We recommend fertilizing 3 times through the growing season. Once about a month after planting, again about mid-season, and lastly about a month before harvesting. Pay attention to potential pests like thrips, utilizing insecticides as needed. Diseases can be managed with fungicides, ensuring the overall well-being of your crop.

Stuttgarter Yellow Onions in the Vegetable Garden

Stuttgarter Yellow Onions play a versatile role in both home and commercial gardens, offering a dual-purpose as green onions and storage onions. As a cool-season crop with a high tolerance for freezing temperatures, they prove valuable for their adaptability and ease of cultivation. In the garden, they can be strategically planted alongside crops like beets, cabbage, carrots, kohlrabi, lettuce, parsnip, pepper, spinach, strawberry, tomato, and turnip, fostering a beneficial companion planting environment. Their resistance to pests and diseases makes them a reliable choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet high-yielding crops. Beyond their utility in culinary creations, Stuttgarter Yellow Onions also contribute to the overall health of the garden ecosystem. Their dense foliage acts as a natural weed suppressant, reducing competition for nutrients and supporting the well-being of neighboring plants. Whether enjoyed fresh as green onions or stored for later use, these onions bring culinary delight and functional benefits to any garden setting.

Harvesting Stuttgarter Yellow Onions

Determining the readiness of Stuttgarter Yellow Onions involves monitoring the growth stages and observing key indicators. For green onions, harvesting can commence as early as 2-4 weeks, allowing for mild-tasting delights. However, for those destined to become storage onions, wait until the main stem weakens, and the plant begins to fall over. This signals that the bulbs have reached maturity. Once this stage is reached, gently pull the onions from the soil. To facilitate the drying process, allow them to lie in the garden for a few days. Subsequently, remove the tops and roots before transferring them to a well-ventilated, dry location such as a wire net in the garage or a cool, airy storage space. Adequate curing is essential for optimal storage. Stuttgarter Yellow Onions can be stored in a refrigerator crisper or a dry environment, preserving their robust flavor and ensuring a lasting supply for culinary endeavors.

About Stuttgarter Yellow Onion Sets

Stuttgarter Yellow Onions have earned their reputation as an heirloom variety and an industry standard, cherished for their robust flavor and versatility. This favorite among gardeners is particularly esteemed for its ease of cultivation and adaptability to various growing conditions.

These onions thrive in well-draining soil with full sunlight exposure, making them adaptable to a broad range of hardiness zones (3-9).

The Stuttgarter Yellow Onions provide high yields and exhibit good resistance to bolting, ensuring a fruitful harvest. As with any crop, vigilance against diseases and pests is crucial. Regular watering, proper spacing, and strategic fertilization contribute to robust plant growth, leading to larger bulbs.

Nutritionally, Stuttgarter Yellow Onions are a low-calorie vegetable rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and various minerals.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Consider utilizing a companion planting strategy with Stuttgarter Yellow Onions by interplanting them with carrots. This dynamic duo not only maximizes garden space but also offers mutual benefits. Carrots, with their slender roots, occupy the lower soil levels, while the Stuttgarter onions, with their vertical growth habit, utilize the upper soil layers. This complementary relationship helps prevent competition for resources, resulting in healthier plants and higher yields. Additionally, the aroma emitted by the onions is believed to confuse carrot flies, a common pest for carrots, providing a natural form of pest control. This symbiotic planting arrangement not only enhances the overall health of both crops but also adds visual interest to your garden bed."

- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer