Onions - Allium (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Distribution, Images, Toxic)

Onions

Also known as: Leeks

The name onions can be applied to many plants including edible onions, garlic, leeks, and more. Popular as garden plants and also grown commercially, the flowers grow on tall stalks and both leaves and bulbs are usually edible. Onions offer both beauty to the garden and protection from critters; the leaves emit a garlic-like or onion-like fragrance that repels rodents and other pests.

Scientific classification

Genus

Onions (Allium)

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Fall

Harvest Time

30 cm to 1.2 m

Plant Height

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Onions

Species

Broadleaf wild leek Ramson Chives Wild garlic Giant onion Onion Three-cornered leek Black garlic Naples garlic Garlic Garlic chives Round-headed leek Rosy garlic Sicilian honey garlic Wild garlic Welsh onion Ramp Lily leek Long-stamen chive Blue-flowered garlic Prairie onion Rakkyo Broadstemmed onion Drummond's Onion Aging chive Stiff onion Sand leek Pacific onion Alpine leek Round-headed leek Narrowleaf onion Nodding onion Mountain garlic Oneleaf onion Tapertip onion Few-flowered garlic Thunberg's chive Textile onion Small yellow onion Wallich's garlic Mediterranean onion Coastal onion Piedmont garlic Blue-flowered allium Wild onion Allium cyathophorum Broad-leaf wild leek Twincrest onion Persian onion Turkistan Onion Persian shallot Onions 'Bleu de Solaise'Onions 'Jackpot'Garden onion 'Red Baron'Onions 'Powder Puff'Garden onion 'Sturon'Onions 'Gladiator'Onions 'Universe'Three-leaved garlic 'Caméléon'Oneleaf onion 'Eros'Wild onion Chives 'Black Isle Blush'Onions 'Globemaster'Onions 'Mars'Persian onion Onions 'Beau Regard'Showy Persian Onion Onions 'Mercurius'Onions 'Millennium'Lily leek 'Jeannine'Aging chive 'Blue Eddy'Persian onion 'Purple Sensation'Persian shallot 'Mars'Allium hybrid Allium monanthum Small yellow onion Lavender globe lily Ornamental onion Garden onion 'Redspark'Onions 'Porbella'Allium suaveolens Chives 'Pink Perfection'Persian onion Onions 'Purple Rain'Onions 'Musselburgh'Onions 'Purple Sensation'Black garlic 'Silver Spring'Garden onion 'Yellow Moon'Persian shallot 'Violet Beauty'Onions 'Ambassador'Onions 'Pinball Wizard'Garden onion 'Centurion'Persian shallot 'Mont Blanc'Nodding onion 'Hidcote'Allium karataviense 'Ivory Queen'Persian shallot 'White Giant'Narrowleaf onion 'Graceful Beauty'Persian shallot 'Mount Everest'

Toxicity

Onions is widely used in human diets but can be poisonous to pets.

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Quickly Identify Onions

Bulbous structure with onion/garlic scent

Upright, slender leaves from basal position

Sturdy, unbranched stem reaching 2-3 feet (60-90 cm)

Clustered flowers in shades of white, pink, violet, or yellow

Leaves reaching up to 2 feet (60 cm), emitting garlic/onion scent

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Care Guide for Onions

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Onions thrives in dry regions with well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant, requiring weekly watering. Primarily grown outdoors, it benefits from natural rainfall and supplemental irrigation during the growing season to ensure healthy bulb development.

Propagation: Onions can be propagated by seed sowing or division. Seeds need well-draining soil, moderate water, and 13-25°C (55-77°F) temperatures. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. For division, separate bulbs in late summer. Follow specific planting and care steps for successful growth.

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Learn More About Onions

Toxicity

How to Grow and Care

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