I’m so excited to tell you about my experience growing these delicious strawberry onions! Trust me, once you taste them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t grow them before! Let’s get started on what you need to know to grow these one-of-a-kind onions!
What Are Strawberry Onions, Really?
First things first – let me clear up a common confusion. These aren’t some weird strawberry-onion hybrid (wouldn’t that be something?). They got their name because they’re traditionally grown in the strawberry fields of Plant City, Florida. They’re actually sweet onions that are incredibly mild and perfect for eating raw – no more crying while chopping onions!
Why You Should Grow Them
- Super sweet, mild flavor – perfect for salads and sandwiches
- Short harvest window (February-March) makes them extra special
- Easy to grow alongside strawberries
- Natural pest deterrent for your garden
- Great for both raw eating and cooking
When and Where to Plant
Best Growing Zones
These babies love warm weather so they’re happiest in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10. But don’t worry if you’re in a cooler area – we’ve got solutions for that!
Timing is Everything
- Outdoor planting: 4-6 weeks before last frost
- Indoor starting: 10-12 weeks before outdoor planting date
- For Florida-style growing: Early fall planting
Getting Your Garden Ready
Soil Requirements
- Well-drained soil (super important!)
- pH between 6.0-6.8
- Rich in nutrients
- Add compost or aged manure before planting
Planting Setup
Plant spacing guide:Seeds: 1/4-1/2 inch deepInitial spacing: 2 inches apartAfter thinning: 6 inches apartGrowing Methods
Method 1: Traditional Row Planting
Do what I do in my garden: put strawberries and onions next to each other in rows. It works great!
Method 2: Perimeter Planting
Form an onion border around your strawberry patch – this is perfect for smaller gardens.
Method 3: Interplanting
Mix them right in together – creates a beautiful patchwork effect!
Caring for Your Strawberry Onions
Water Requirements
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. I check mine every few days by sticking my finger in the soil – if it’s dry an inch down, time to water!
Fertilizing Schedule
- Every 2-3 weeks
- Use balanced organic fertilizer
- Compost tea works great too!
Common Problems to Watch For
- Onion maggots
- Thrips
- Spider mites
- Bulb rot (from overwatering)
Harvesting Your Crop
When to Harvest
Look for these signs:
- Tall seed stalk appearance
- About 1/3 of stalk has gone to seed
- Bulb feels firm when gently squeezed
Storage Tips
- Cure bulbs for 1-2 weeks in a warm, dry spot
- Trim tops to 1/2 inch above bulb
- Store in cool pantry
- Will last 2-3 months when stored properly
Pro Tips from My Experience
- Start small – these onions can be addictive!
- Don’t forget to mulch – helps retain moisture
- Plant extras – you’ll want plenty to share
- Keep garden records – helps improve next year’s crop
Final Thoughts
Starting to grow strawberry onions might seem a little scary at first, but trust me, it’s worth it! They’re not like regular onions; they’ll be the talk of the gardening community in your area. Also, there’s nothing better than putting homegrown strawberry onions on a salad!
Are you ready to give it a try? I can’t wait to hear about your strawberry onion journey. Remember to come back for more gardening advice!
Happy Gardening!
Note: This guide is based on my personal experience and research. Results may vary depending on your specific growing conditions.
Learn more about how to get started!
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
Planting Strawberries, Onions + Radish in the Raised Garden Beds | Gardening with Wyse Guide
FAQ
How do you plant strawberries & onions in a garden?
Surprisingly, one option is to plant strawberries and onions in alternating rows. Assuming adequate soil drainage, onions can even be planted in the slightly more packed soil between raised strawberry mounds. Another option is to make an onion fence around the edges of the plot. This works especially well for smaller strawberry patches.
Can you grow strawberry onions at home?
If you want to enjoy the unique taste of fresh strawberry onions, you can consider growing them at home. They can be grown from sets or seeds in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and harvest the onions when the tops begin to dry out and yellow.
Can you grow strawberries and onions together?
The chart below outlines companion planting best-bets when it comes to strawberries and onions: Same Soil. Same Schedule. Thankfully, strawberries and onions have no adverse effect on each other. They also have similar soil requirements, both benefiting from well-drained soil located in full sun. Can you grow strawberry onions at home?.
How do you grow strawberry onions from seed?
Strawberry onions send up a tall seed stalk when nearly ready to harvest. Use a garden fork to carefully lift bulbs once about one third of the stalk has gone to seed. Pat off soil, leaving some attached. Cut tops 1⁄2 inch above the bulb. Cure bulbs in a warm, dry spot out of direct sunlight for 1-2 weeks.
Can you plant strawberries next to spring onions?
Yes, you can plant strawberries next to spring onions. Spring onions can benefit from the larger strawberry plants, as their foliage acts as a sunlight filter for the tender spring onions. When should strawberries & onions be planted?.
Should you plant onions and strawberries side-by-side?
If you’ve never heard of companion planting, you might be surprised to learn that planting onions and strawberries next to each other can help them grow. After all, those aren’t two foods you’d normally pair together in the kitchen! But companion planting is all about balance in the garden, not on your plate!