Onions are a kitchen essential and one of the easiest vegetables to grow in India. Whether you are a home gardener or a farmer, choosing the right onion seeds is the first step towards a healthy and high-yield crop. In this guide, we’ll cover where to buy quality onion seeds, the best onion varieties for different seasons, and step-by-step tips to grow onions successfully.
Why Growing Onions from Seeds is Better
While you can plant onion sets or bulbs, starting from onion seeds offers several advantages:
- Wider Variety: Seeds give you access to more varieties suited for your climate.
- Healthier Plants: Less chance of carrying over diseases compared to bulbs.
- Cost-Effective: Seeds are cheaper and easy to store.
Best Onion Varieties for Planting in India
Here are some popular onion seed types you can consider:
| Onion Variety | Best Season | Features |
|---|---|---|
| N-53 | Kharif & Rabi | Mild flavor, high yield |
| Pusa Red | Rabi | Good storage capacity |
| Agrifound Dark Red | Rabi | Dark red color, pungent taste |
| White Globe | Winter | Sweet, mild taste |
| Nasik Red | All Seasons | Hardy and disease-resistant |
Where to Buy Onion Seeds in India
When buying onion seeds, quality matters. Poor-quality seeds can result in weak plants and low yields. Here are some reliable sources:
1. Local Agriculture Stores
- Best for farmers looking for bulk quantities.
- Immediate availability without shipping delays.
2. Online Gardening Stores
- Websites like Agzora, Amazon, Flipkart, Ugaoo, and NurseryLive sell onion seeds in small to bulk packs.
- Offers home delivery and seasonal discounts.
3. Government Agricultural Departments
- State agriculture offices and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) often sell certified seeds at subsidized prices.
How to Grow Onions from Seeds – Step-by-Step
Growing onions from seeds requires patience, but the results are worth it.
1. Seed Sowing
- Best sowing time: October to December for Rabi crop, June-July for Kharif.
- Use a well-drained, loamy soil with pH 6–7.
- Sow seeds in seedbeds or trays at a depth of 1 cm.
2. Transplanting
- Seedlings are ready for transplanting in 6–8 weeks.
- Keep 10–15 cm spacing between plants.
3. Watering
- Onions need consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging.
- Water once every 3–4 days in summer.
4. Fertilization
- Use well-rotted compost before planting.
- Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer during the early growth stage.
5. Pest & Disease Control
- Watch for thrips, onion maggots, and fungal diseases.
- Use neem oil or recommended pesticides.
6. Harvesting
- Onions are ready in 90–120 days after transplanting.
- When 50–70% of the tops fall over, pull and dry them in shade.
Tips for Better Onion Yield
- Use certified, disease-free seeds.
- Rotate crops to avoid soil-borne diseases.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen late in the season to improve storage quality.
FAQs
Q1: How long do onion seeds take to germinate?
7–10 days under optimal conditions.
Q2: Can onions be grown in pots?
Yes, choose a deep pot (at least 8 inches) and place it in full sunlight.
Q3: How much seed is needed for 1 acre?
Around 4–5 kg of onion seeds.
Q4: Do onions need full sunlight?
Yes, onions need at least 6–7 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Conclusion
Planting onions from seeds is rewarding, whether for personal use or commercial farming. The key is to start with high-quality seeds and follow the right growing practices. If you’re looking for fresh, certified seeds, you can easily buy onion seeds for planting from Agzora and start your gardening journey today.
