What pot size is needed for Onion?

Onion needs a minimum null-inch (0 cm) pot. A larger pot improves yield and root health on terraces and balconies.

When should I plant Onion in India?

The best time to plant Onion is the Onions are cultivated across India in Kharif (rainy) and Rabi (winter) and and Summer seasons. Kharif planting occurs in June-July or September-October. Rabi planting is in October and with transplanting in December-January. Summer planting is in January-February. Onions are considered a cool-season crop and tolerating frost when young but not excessive heat. season. Use TerraceFarming's Crop Planner for city-specific sowing dates.

How often should I water Onion?

Water Onion high. Terrace pots dry faster in summer — adjust accordingly.

What are the common pests of Onion?

Common pests of Onion include Onion Thrips, Onion Maggot, Cutworms, Leafminers. Use the TerraceFarming AI Plant Doctor to upload a photo and get an instant diagnosis.

Onion

Allium cepa

Medium difficultyOnions are cultivated across India in Kharif (rainy)Rabi (winter)and Summer seasons. Kharif planting occurs in June-July or September-October. Rabi planting is in Octoberwith transplanting in December-January. Summer planting is in January-February. Onions are considered a cool-season croptolerating frost when young but not excessive heat.

☀️

Sunlight

Full Sun

💧

Watering

High

🪴

Min pot size

null" pot

🌱

Start from

Can be grown from seeds or small onion sets (bulblets). For seeds, sow in a nursery tray/pot 0.5 cm deep, and transplant healthy seedlings when they are 10-15 cm tall (about 6-8 weeks old) spaced 10 cm apart. For onion sets, plant them directly 2-3 cm deep with the pointed end facing up, maintaining a 10 cm spacing.

About Onion

Onion is a hardy bulb crop grown for its pungent edible bulbs. Needs full sun, loose well-drained soil, and a long cool growing period; stop watering once the tops fall over so the bulbs cure properly.

Climate requirements

Thrives in cool winter temperatures (15°C to 25°C) during the early vegetative growth phase, and requires warm, dry weather (25°C to 35°C) with longer days for bulb development and maturity. High humidity during bulb maturity leads to fungal diseases.

Growth stages

Stage 1

Germination & Early Seedling

Day 1–15

Stage 2

Seedling Growth (Nursery)

Day 16–60

Stage 3

Vegetative Growth (Post-Transplant)

Day 61–105

Stage 4

Bulb Development (Bulking)

Day 106–135

Stage 5

Maturity & Harvest

Day 136–150

Common pests and diseases

Watch out for these on your Onion. Upload a photo for AI diagnosis →

Treatment solutions for each pest are available on Pro Plus AI — includes AI photo diagnosis, detailed treatment steps, and product recommendations.

Companion plants for Onion

🌿 Carrots 🌿 Lettuce 🌿 Beetroot 🌿 Brassicas (Cabbage, Cauliflower)🌿 Mint

Avoid planting nearby

✗ Peas✗ Beans✗ Asparagus

Get a personalised schedule for Onion

Enter your city, pot count, and sowing date — the Crop Planner builds a day-by-day care calendar with watering reminders, fertiliser timing, and harvest windows.

Build my crop schedule — ₹499

New to terrace gardening? Read the complete India terrace farming guide →

Spot a problem?

Photo-based AI diagnosis identifies diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies on your Onion within seconds.

AI Plant Doctor →Pro Plus AI

Ask an agronomist

Get crop-specific advice from an expert — soil prep, disease treatment, yield improvement.

Book a consultation →