The Best Varieties Of Onion To Grow In Containers

Container gardening is the perfect option for those short on space, especially apartment dwellers. But it tends to limit what types of produce you can grow, usually limiting you to smaller types of fruits, berries, and veggies. And onions are often not an option, especially the bigger varieties that need deeper soil to grow large bulbs. But here's the good news: Some onions actually do very well in containers.

There are two main types of onions that are perfect for those wanting to maximize yields in tight spaces — bunching and small bulb onions. Both of these types do not require as much space as your average onion. And a pot of green onions in a kitchen garden window, a small container with mini bulb varieties, or even some shallots on a window ledge can be extremely productive. You'll not only be able to add fresh flavor to your meals, but you'll also benefit from knowing where your food comes from. And some of these onion varieties actually thrive in pots.

Compact bunching types like 'Evergreen Bunching', 'Flavor King', 'Tokyo Long White', or 'White Lisbon' are perfect for container gardening because they don't depend on bulb formation. They grow clusters of stalks that can be repeatedly harvested for your enjoyment. 'Evergreen Bunching,' 'Tokyo Long White,' and 'White Lisbon' are your standard green onions. They have a mild flavor and are great for salads — perfect if you prefer subtle hints of onion in your food. 'Flavor King,' on the other hand, is a little more pungent, ideal for those who enjoy a stronger onion flavor.

If you'd rather grow a more traditional bulb-type onion, smaller types like shallots, 'Paris Silverskin', 'Pearl Onions', 'Crystal White Wax', 'Purplette', or 'Pompeii' are container-friendly as well. 'Paris Silverskin', 'Pearl Onions', and 'Crystal White Wax' are all dainty onions that don't need as much space to bulb out as their larger counterparts. They have shallow root systems and grow well in compact spaces. 'Purplette' and 'Pompeii' are small onions that are quick to mature, which are perfect for impatient gardeners wanting a quick harvest. And shallots are more like a cross between garlic and an onion, extremely versatile and will substitute for garlic in a pinch.

Choosing the right onions is only half the battle when it comes to growing them in containers. For bulb varieties, you need a little extra soil for them to develop properly; around 10 to 12 inches deep is best. Meanwhile, bunching onions are a little less needy, only requiring 6 to 8 inches of soil. Drainage is absolutely important, so make sure whatever container you use has holes, so your onions aren't sitting in water. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, to avoid rot. A loose mix of potting soil with a good fertilizer is ideal for onions because it keeps the soil from getting compacted and helps the roots to spread out easily. You will also need to pair these small-variety onions with a great substrate for container gardening; this will help ensure healthy growth and a dependable harvest — no backyard needed.

Onions also need a lot of sun to properly develop, especially the bulb-type – at least 6 to 8 hours a day. Bunching onions are especially easy to grow. Many of the best tips for growing green onions in containers highlight how frequent harvesting actually boosts new growth. For bulb onions, thin your seedlings early to give each plant space, since they need room to form their bulbs.

One of the biggest issues you might encounter when growing onions in containers is overcrowding. It is one of the top mistakes you should avoid when growing onions because if your bulb onions are too crowded it will stunt their bulb development. With the right pot size, healthy soil, enough sun, and a little patience, you should have an abundance of these smaller variety onions to enjoy — even on the smallest patio.