Hey there fellow gardeners! I’m super excited to share my experience growing these amazing strawberry onions Trust me, once you taste these sweet beauties, you’ll wonder why you haven’t grown them before Let’s dive into everything you need to know about growing these unique 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
Plant strawberries and onions in alternating rows This is what I do in my garden, and 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
Growing strawberry onions might seem a bit intimidating at first, but trust me, it’s totally worth it! They’re not just regular onions – they’re conversation starters and will make you the talk of your local gardening community. Plus, there’s nothing quite like serving a salad with your own homegrown strawberry onions!
Ready to give it a try? I’d love to hear about your strawberry onion growing adventures. Don’t forget to check back for more gardening tips and tricks!
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 possibility, especially for smaller strawberry patches, is to form an onion perimeter around the edges of the plot.
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 before you might be surprised to read that onions and strawberries can benefit from being planted side-by-side — after all, they’re not foods we’d usually associate with each other in the kitchen! However, companion planting is all about balance in the garden, not on your plate.