Onions are a must-have vegetable for delicious salads and dishes. It is rewarding to grow your own onions at home which saves you money and boosts your health. But can you grow onions hydroponically?
It is possible to grow all varieties of onions in hydroponics where you use a nutrient solution or moist air instead of soil. Hydroponics onions are not only easy to grow but they also grow fast. However, you need to choose the best type of onion to grow hydroponically and provide the right conditions for growth. You also need to choose the best hydroponic system for onions.
If you are wondering whether you can grow onions hydroponically then this article will show you how that’s possible. We’ll also explain the best hydroponics system for onions and what you need for an abundant harvest.
How Long Does It Take To Grow Onions Hydroponically?
There are different varieties of onions from red to white and green onions. How long it takes to grow onions hydroponically depends on which variety you choose. Green onions grow faster than other variants and within one week onions begin to sprout you can start harvesting sprouts and use them in a variety of meals. It takes them about 3 to four weeks to mature if you don’t harvest the sprouts.
How to Grow Onions Hydroponically
So what do you need to grow onions hydroponically? Before you consider growing onions hydroponically you need to know what you need to get started. Let’s look at the equipment you need with a step-by-step guide on how to grow onions hydroponically.
1. Choose the type of onions
Decide the type of onion seedlings you want to grow. Is it red onions, green onions, or white onions? Most people prefer to grow green onions hydroponically because they mature faster
2. Choose the hydroponic system
I know you may be asking what the best hydroponic system for onions is. You need to choose a hydroponic system that is beginner-friendly and easy to install at home. You can either build one yourself or purchase a ready-to-use system.
There are two hydroponic systems that are ideal for growing onions hydroponically. First is the Deep water culture. The system is easy to install and is easy for small spaces. You will need to use an air pump to ensure circulation of oxygen within the system which is necessary for plant growth.
The second best hydroponic system for onions is the ebb and flow system which floods the plants’ roots at scheduled times. Read more about hydroponics systems here.
Also Read: 6 Best Hydroponics Systems for Urban Gardening
3. Choose the growing location
Once you choose the hydroponic system you need to decide where to place it. Onions require adequate sunlight so you need to choose a sunny spot. If you don’t have an ideal sunny spot you can use grow lights.
4. Set up the hydroponic system
In this guide, we’ll go with the deep water culture hydroponic system because it is the easiest system for beginners and gives abundant harvest.
You will need onion seedlings, an air pump, water, net posts, a growing medium, net pots, and a tray.
Onions have low nutrient requirements compared to other plants. But you need to select a good nutrient solution to provide what they need to grow.
Fill the pots with the growing medium of choice whether perlite or Rockwool. The pots should have drainage holes in the bottom to allow the nutrient solutions to get to the roots of the plants.
Insert each onion seedling halfway into the growth medium (perlite). Fill the net ports with water to aerate the roots. Place in the grow tray and then set up the air pump.
Also read: What is the Best Nutrition for Hydroponic Plants?
5. Growing onions hydroponically
Onions need sunlight to grow. Ensure to place the system near a sunny window or use grow lights for at least 12 hours every day.
You don’t need to do much maintenance after the onions start to grow You only need to ensure that the temperatures remain at 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the PH of the nutrient solution remains at 5.5 to 70. Ensure the roots are properly aerated using the air pump to prevent root or mildew.
6. Harvesting
Green onions are ready for harvest three weeks after planting them. However, if you selected bulb onions you may need to wait for 3 months.
To know if onions are ready to harvest the foliage turns yellow or the onions have merging flower stalks. To harvest your onions you just need to pull them up from the growing medium.
Dry the harvested onions on a flat surface where there is a good air circulation pit of direct sunlight to increase their shelf life.
FAQs
- Do onions grow well in hydroponics?
Most types of onions grow well in hydroponics as long as you provide a nutrient-rich solution, adequate sunlight, and water.
- How long does it take to grow hydroponic onions?
Growing onions hydroponically takes about 10 to 12 weeks. It is easy to maintain and care for hydroponic onions as long as you provide enough nutrients, oxygen, and sufficient sunlight.
- What are the best onions for hydroponics?
The best onions for hydroponics are green onions. You can grow any type of onion but green onions mature faster than others and take just 21 to 30 days to be ready for harvest.
- Do onions need full sun?
Onions require adequate sunlight to grow hydroponically. Ensure to place them in a sunny spot and use a high-quality aerated nutrient solution to make the hydroponic onions grow faster.
Final Thoughts
Can onions be grown hydroponically? Absolutely. Onions are one of the best plants to grow in hydroponics because they grow fast and are easy to set up. Hydroponics makes it possible to grow onions indoors when you have limited space. You can expect an abundant harvest as long as you provide the right temperature, nutrients, and light to the growing plants.
If you are just starting your hydroponics journey and are interested in growing onions hydroponically then this is the sign to take the plunge. They make a tasty and nutritious addition to your meals. Use this step-by-step guide to grow onions in hydroponics and share how it went below.
Happy gardening!
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