Candy onions are a popular hybrid variety known for their sweet flavor and large, round bulbs. If you’re planning to grow these delicious onions in your garden, one of the most important questions is: how deep to plant Candy onions? Planting at the right depth sets the foundation for healthy growth, good bulb development, and a bountiful harvest. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about planting depth, spacing, and care for Candy onions to help you grow them successfully.
Understanding Candy Onions
Candy onions are an intermediate-day hybrid variety that performs well in a wide range of climates, except for the deep south and far northern regions. They mature in about 85 days and store well when harvested and cured properly. Their sweet taste and jumbo size make them a favorite for fresh eating and cooking.
Candy onions can be grown from seeds, sets (small bulbs), or transplants. Each method has slightly different planting depth recommendations, which we’ll explore below.
How Deep to Plant Candy Onion Seeds
When planting Candy onions from seed, the general recommendation is to sow the seeds about ¼ inch deep in the soil. This shallow depth allows the tiny seeds to germinate easily and emerge quickly. Planting seeds too deep can delay or prevent sprouting.
– Space seeds about 2 inches apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart.
– Once seedlings emerge, thin them to about 4 inches apart to give each plant enough room to grow.
Starting seeds indoors in trays before transplanting outdoors is also common. When transplanting seedlings, plant them so that the roots are well covered, but the green stem is above the soil surface.
How Deep to Plant Candy Onion Sets
Onion sets are small, immature bulbs that are often used for quicker planting and harvesting. When planting Candy onion sets, the recommended depth is deeper than seeds:
– Plant sets 2 to 3 inches deep in the soil.
– The pointed tip of the set should face upward, with the flat root side down.
– Cover the set with soil so that only the tip is just below the surface or slightly peeking out.
Planting sets too shallow can cause them to dry out or be exposed to pests, while planting too deep can inhibit bulb formation.
How Deep to Plant Candy Onion Transplants
If you start Candy onions indoors and transplant seedlings, the ideal planting depth is to bury the roots and about 1 inch of the lower stem in the soil. This ensures the plant is stable and can establish strong roots.
Transplants should be spaced about 4 to 6 inches apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart to allow room for bulb development.
Why Planting Depth Matters for Candy Onions
Planting depth affects several important factors:
– Root development: Proper depth encourages strong root growth, which supports nutrient uptake and bulb size.
– Bulb formation: Onions form bulbs just below the soil surface. If planted too deep, bulbs may not develop properly.
– Moisture retention: Correct depth helps maintain soil moisture around roots without waterlogging.
– Pest and disease protection: Proper coverage protects young plants from pests and environmental stress.
Soil Preparation for Planting Candy Onions
Candy onions thrive in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Before planting:
– Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 8 to 12 inches to encourage root penetration.
– Amend soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility.
– Avoid heavy clay soils or improve drainage by planting in raised beds.
Good soil preparation combined with correct planting depth sets your Candy onions up for success.
Spacing Recommendations for Candy Onions
Besides depth, spacing is crucial for healthy growth:
– Plant Candy onions about 4 to 6 inches apart in rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart.
– For direct seeding, thin seedlings to 4 inches apart.
– Closer spacing can be used if you plan to harvest some onions early as green onions.
Proper spacing ensures good air circulation, reduces disease risk, and allows bulbs to grow to their full size.
Watering and Fertilizing Candy Onions
After planting at the correct depth:
– Water onions thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
– Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
– Onions are heavy feeders; use a balanced fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium to promote root and bulb growth.
– Side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer once plants are established for healthy foliage.
When to Plant Candy Onions
Candy onions are typically planted in late winter or early spring, depending on your climate. Transplants or sets can be planted as soon as the soil is workable and temperatures are favorable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Planting too deep: This can stunt bulb growth and delay maturity.
– Planting too shallow: Sets or seeds may dry out or be damaged.
– Crowding plants: Leads to smaller bulbs and increased disease risk.
– Poor soil preparation: Compacted or nutrient-poor soil limits growth.
Tips for a Successful Candy Onion Crop
– Use quality seeds or healthy sets from a trusted source.
– Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting for an early start.
– Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
– Monitor for pests such as onion maggots and diseases like downy mildew.
– Harvest when bulbs have matured and tops begin to yellow and fall over.
Plant Candy onion seeds about ¼ inch deep, sets 2 to 3 inches deep, and transplants with roots and 1 inch of stem buried. Correct planting depth combined with good soil, spacing, and care will help you grow sweet, jumbo Candy onions for a delicious harvest.