How to Plant a Yellow Onion: Practical Tips and Resources for Home Gardeners (2026)

The Mixed Onion Assortment from Stargazer Perennials is a practical choice for home gardeners who want a reliable supply of red, white, and yellow onions. This 8-ounce pack contains roughly 50 to 60 hand-sorted, non-GMO onion sets grown naturally in the USA. It's designed for gardeners in zones 3 through 10, making it a versatile option for most regions. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting out, the included planting guide helps you get started right away.

The standout feature here is the mix of three onion colors, which adds variety to your meals and garden. The sets are suitable for both short-day and long-day conditions, so they adapt well to different latitudes. Many buyers report high germination rates and fast growth, with some noting that the pack actually contains more than 50 bulbs. You can harvest them young for salads or let them mature into full-size onions for storage. The ability to plant in garden beds, raised planters, or even containers indoors adds to their appeal.

In terms of build quality, the bulbs are generally healthy and firm upon arrival, though a small number of customers have received dried-out or papery bulbs. The packaging is recyclable and the sets are shipped year-round, which is convenient for planning your planting schedule. The brand's commitment to chemical-free growing and bee-friendly practices is a nice bonus for eco-conscious gardeners.

On the downside, some users experienced variable yields, and a few found that a portion of the bulbs didn't sprout. Additionally, the product cannot be shipped to Idaho or Washington. Overall, this onion set mix offers good value for the price, especially if you want a diverse harvest without buying multiple varieties separately. It's a solid choice for any home gardener looking to grow their own onions with minimal fuss.

The Stargazer Perennials Mixed Onion Sets offer a practical way to start a home onion patch. This 1-pound bag contains a random mix of red, white, and yellow onion bulbs, all non-GMO and grown in the USA. It's designed for gardeners who want a simple, all-in-one solution to grow multiple onion types without buying separate packs. The included tip sheet makes it accessible even if you're new to growing onions from sets.

What stands out is the variety. The mix includes intermediate, day-neutral, and long-day varieties, so it adapts to different regions and seasons. You can plant them in a vegetable garden, raised bed, or container, and even grow them indoors near a window. The flexibility to harvest young as salad greens or let them mature into full-size onions adds real value. Expect roughly 80 to 100 sets per pound, though the exact count depends on bulb size.

In terms of quality, the bulbs arrive hand-sorted and ready to plant. The growing guide covers spacing (3 to 6 inches apart), when to pull (after tops fall over), and curing instructions (14 days in a cool, dry spot). This attention to detail helps ensure a successful harvest. The sets are firm and viable, with no signs of damage in typical shipments.

One limitation is that Stargazer Perennials cannot ship to Washington or Idaho, so gardeners in those states need to look elsewhere. Also, because the mix is random, you won't know the exact ratio of colors until you open the bag. Some users might prefer a more predictable assortment. But for most home growers, this is a minor trade-off for the convenience and variety.

Overall, the Stargazer Perennials Mixed Onion Sets deliver on their promise. They're a reliable, no-fuss option for anyone wanting to grow a colorful onion harvest. The non-GMO sourcing, included guide, and flexible planting options make it a solid buy for both beginners and experienced gardeners. If you're in a state where shipping is available, this pack is worth considering for your spring planting.

If you're a northern gardener looking to grow your own onions, the Smoke Camp Crafts Yellow Rock Onion Sets are a reliable starting point. This long-day variety is specifically bred for regions where summer days stretch to 14-15 hours, making it a natural fit for USDA zones 6 and colder. You get roughly 50 sets in each order, which is enough for a modest garden bed or a few raised rows. The Yellow Rock onion is known for its sweet, mild flavor, so it works beautifully fresh in salads or cooked into soups and jams. It's also versatile enough to harvest early as scallions or let mature for storage.

The standout feature here is how easy these sets are to grow. They're cold-hardy, so you can plant them outdoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost with no fuss. Most buyers report that nearly all of their sets sprout within a few days, and the plants grow vigorously. The sets arrive in uniform sizes, which makes spacing simple. You can expect maturity in about 90-100 days, and the harvest signal is clear: once the necks soften and about half the leaves fall over, it's time to pull and cure them. The curing process is straightforward, and properly cured onions store well in cool, humid conditions.

On the design side, these are bare sets packed with natural materials to keep them fresh during shipping. Most reviews praise the packaging, noting that it's careful and eco-friendly. The sets themselves look healthy and firm, though a few customers have received some that were dried out or blackened. That's a risk with any perishable product, but the majority of feedback is positive. The value is solid, with some buyers counting more than 50 sets in their box.

There are a couple of honest drawbacks to consider. Not every set will sprout, as some reviews mention a few stragglers. This isn't unusual for onion sets, but it's worth knowing so you can plant extra if you need a full harvest. Also, this is strictly a long-day variety, so gardeners in southern zones should look for short-day or intermediate types instead. The price is reasonable for the quantity, especially when you compare it to buying seedlings at a nursery.

Overall, these Yellow Rock onion sets are a great choice for northern gardeners who want a dependable, sweet, and versatile onion crop. They're easy to plant, fast to grow, and the flavor is hard to beat. Just be prepared for a small loss rate, and you'll be happy with the results. Highly recommended for home growers in colder climates.

Growing Onions 101 by Farmer's Library is a compact guide aimed at beginners, homesteaders, and market gardeners who want to grow onions from scratch. The book covers the entire process, from choosing the right onion type for your region to harvesting and storing your crop for long-term use. It also includes a section on selling onions sustainably for profit, which is a nice bonus for those looking to turn their hobby into a small business.

The standout feature is its accessibility. The author breaks down complex topics like soil pH, plant spacing, and pest control into simple, actionable steps. You will learn how to start onions from seeds, sets, or transplants, and how to manage watering and weeds without relying on chemicals. The organic and natural focus is a plus for environmentally conscious growers. However, the book is heavy on general advice and light on deep technical detail. For example, it might tell you to adjust soil pH but not provide exact amendment ratios based on your soil test results.

Design-wise, the paperback is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around the garden. The 100-page length means you can finish it in a single sitting, but it also means some sections feel rushed. The single customer review on Amazon notes that while the book repeats generalities, the cost-saving tips alone are worth the purchase. This honest feedback suggests the book is a solid starting point rather than a comprehensive reference.

The main drawback is the lack of specificity for intermediate or advanced growers. If you already have some experience with onions, you will likely find the content too basic. Additionally, the repetition of concepts across chapters can feel redundant. The book's low rating (1.0 out of 5 stars) likely reflects these shortcomings, though only one review is available as of this writing, so it is not a statistically significant sample.

Overall, Growing Onions 101 delivers what its title promises: a beginner's manual. It is a practical, affordable introduction that will help you avoid common pitfalls and get started with confidence. If you are a total novice or a homesteader looking for a quick primer, this book is a reasonable purchase. For more seasoned growers seeking advanced techniques, look elsewhere.

The Sow Right Seeds Short Day Onion Collection is a thoughtful bundle for anyone wanting to grow onions from seed. It includes three popular short-day varieties: Red Creole, Crystal White Wax, and Texas Early Grano. These onions are best suited for gardeners in southern regions where days are shorter, but they can also be grown in other areas with proper timing. The collection is especially appealing to home gardeners who value non-GMO, heirloom seeds and want a reliable start to their vegetable patch.

Performance is where this product shines. Customer reviews consistently praise the high germination rate, with many reporting sprouts within just a few days. One reviewer noted that 40 out of 50 seeds germinated in a mixed tray, while another saw sprouts in four days. The seeds are packed with at least 500mg per variety, giving you plenty to work with. The instructions on each packet are clear and straightforward, making it easy for beginners to get started. Sow Right Seeds also backs their product with a promise to replace seeds that don't germinate, which adds peace of mind.

In terms of quality, these seeds are non-GMO and heirloom, meaning you can save seeds from your harvest for future plantings. The company operates on solar power and has taken the Safe Seed Pledge, so you're supporting sustainable agriculture. The packets themselves are large and premium, with attractive labeling that makes them easy to store and identify. However, the packaging is designed for outdoor use, so plan accordingly if you want to start seeds indoors.

There are a couple of potential drawbacks to consider. One reviewer with over a decade of gardening experience reported a low germination rate and said they wouldn't buy again. This highlights that results can vary based on soil, climate, and care. Additionally, because these are short-day onions, they may not perform well in northern gardens with long summer days. Some customers also noted that growth can be slow, especially in cooler weather, so patience is key.

Overall, the Sow Right Seeds Short Day Onion Collection is a reliable and affordable option for home gardeners who want to grow their own onions. The high germination rate, variety of types, and sustainable practices make it a solid buy. If you're in a suitable growing zone and follow the instructions, you'll likely enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, flavorful onions.

Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin A-204, "All the Onions" by Betty E. M. Jacobs, is a pocket-sized powerhouse for anyone who wants to grow better onions. Part of a long-running series known for delivering practical know-how without padding, this 32-page booklet cuts straight to what matters. It targets home gardeners, small-scale farmers, and anyone curious about raising alliums from garlic to shallots. The author assumes you're serious about results but doesn't waste time on fluff.

The real strength here is how it packs essential knowledge into such a small format. One reviewer mentioned they had never gotten a decent onion harvest until reading this booklet. Another discovered their onion bulbs weren't swelling because they were using short-day varieties in a long-day northern climate. The booklet explains the day-length phenomenon clearly and helps you choose the right type for your region. It also covers starting from seeds, sets, or transplants, plus details on planting depth, spacing, and soil preparation.

Design is utilitarian but effective. The booklet is a staple-bound paperback with a lightweight cover and small dimensions (5.5 x 8.5 inches) that slip easily into a garden tool bag. Text is dense but well organized with subheadings and bullet lists. There are no photographs, just simple line drawings that illustrate concepts like proper planting depth. Some might wish for color photos of pest damage, but the descriptions are clear enough to identify problems. The paper is standard matte and not glossy, so it's fine for thumbing through outdoors.

Drawbacks are few but worth noting. At 32 pages, this is a summary rather than a comprehensive tome. Seasoned gardeners may find they already know most of the content. One reviewer gave it 3 stars saying "nothing new." Also, if you prefer visual learning with plenty of photos, this booklet relies heavily on text. However, for the price, it delivers an excellent return on investment. The practical tips on harvesting, curing, and storing onions alone can prevent post-harvest losses.

Verdict: "All the Onions" is a smart buy for anyone who wants to grow onions with confidence. Beginners will learn the ropes quickly; experienced growers might pick up a useful tip or two. It's not a coffee-table book, but as a field guide it earns its place in the shed. Pair it with a soil thermometer and a packet of seeds for a complete start to onion season.

Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC

Publication Date: January 6, 1999 (Updated edition)

Language: English

Print Length: 32 pages

ISBN-10: 1580172253

ISBN-13: 978-1580172257

Item Weight: 1.59 ounces

Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.13 x 8.55 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #548,551 in Books; #370 in Organic & Sustainable Gardening; #405 in Vegetable Gardening

If you're a home gardener who wants to grow better onions without wading through a general vegetable gardening encyclopedia, this guide might be exactly what you need. 'All About Growing Onions' is part of a single-crop series by Stephanie Suesan Smith, a master gardener who grew up helping her dad plant onion starts. The book is short – only 31 pages – but it covers the essential steps from choosing the right variety for your day length to storing your harvest for winter use.

What stands out is the focused approach. Instead of trying to cover every vegetable, Smith dives deep into onions alone. You'll learn about the different types (short-day, long-day, intermediate), how to plant from seed or sets, watering and fertilizing schedules, and natural pest control methods. The advice is science-based but presented in plain language, making it easy to follow even if you're new to gardening. I appreciated the clear, step-by-step instructions – no fluff, just what you need to know.

The design is straightforward: a compact, 6x9 inch paperback with standard font. It's not a glossy coffee table book, but that's fine for a practical guide you can take to the garden. The lack of photos or illustrations is a minor drawback – some diagrams for planting depth or spacing would help visual learners. Also, at 31 pages, experienced gardeners might find it too brief. However, for its price, it delivers solid value as a quick reference.

One honest con: the book has no customer reviews yet, so you're relying on the author's credentials and the description alone. That said, Smith's background as a published master gardener lends credibility to the content. Another limitation is depth: if your onion crop faces a specific disease or unusual weather, this guide may not offer exhaustive troubleshooting. But for the vast majority of home growers, the fundamentals here will get you from seed to a tasty harvest.

Overall, 'All About Growing Onions' is a smart, affordable purchase for anyone who wants to master one crop at a time. It's particularly useful for beginners who feel overwhelmed by large gardening books, and for intermediate growers who want to fine-tune their onion production. If you're ready to grow your own flavorful, healthy onions without the guesswork, this guide delivers exactly what it promises.

The 30 Yellow Granex Onion Plants bundle aims to bring the sweetness of famous Vidalia-style onions to your home garden. These short-day onions are known for their mild, non-pungent flavor and thin yellow skin. They're ideal for gardeners in USDA zones 7 and warmer, where they can be planted in early spring for a summer harvest. The plants are marketed as bolt resistant, which means less chance of flowers stunting bulb growth.

In terms of performance, the description promises a 100-day maturity and the ability to harvest green onions in just 30 days. Many customers have reported success with strong growth and good yields. However, a significant number of reviews point to poor condition upon arrival: plants arriving dried out, limp, or completely rotten. The 2.9-star average rating reflects this inconsistency. While some buyers loved their healthy transplants, others found up to 90% of the order unusable.

The build quality of the plants themselves is a gamble. When they arrive fresh, they are vigorous and easy to plant. But the packaging and shipping appear to cause issues, especially if delivery takes longer than expected. The seller offers a 100% guarantee, but getting a replacement may require extra effort. For the price, you're getting 30 bare-root starts, which is competitive, but only if they survive transit.

For potential buyers, the main drawback is the lack of reliability. If you have a garden that relies heavily on these onions, consider ordering early to account for possible replacements, or look for a more consistent nursery source. On the flip side, those who receive healthy plants often rave about the flavor and ease of growth. This is not a product for beginners who need guaranteed results.

Overall, the Yellow Granex onion plants promise excellent taste and good growing traits, but execution falls short due to poor handling and shipping. If you're willing to take a chance and can provide ideal growing conditions, you might be rewarded with a bumper crop of sweet onions. Otherwise, proceed with caution and check recent reviews before ordering.