🧅 Onion, Growing Guide for SEQ
Everything you need to grow Onion in South East Queensland's subtropical climate.
When to Sow in SEQ
Long haul, plant once, wait six months. Day-length sensitive; pick short-day varieties for SEQ.
Growing Requirements
Good Companions (Friends)
Keep Apart (Enemies)
Recommended Varieties for SEQ
Early Cream Gold
Short-day brown onion bred for QLD. The commercial SEQ standard. Reliable, stores well.
Red Tropicana
Short-day red onion. Mild, sweet, excellent raw in salads. Bred for subtropical conditions.
Spring Onion (Straight Leaf)
Harvest young as green onions. Fast (8-10 weeks). Year-round in SEQ.
Kitchen Uses
- Caramelised slowly as a base
- Pickled raw for burgers and tacos
- Added raw to salads and salsas
- Roasted whole as a side dish
Health Benefits
- Contains quercetin, a powerful antioxidant
- Supports heart and immune health
- Has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
- Good source of vitamin C and fibre
Pests & Diseases in SEQ
Common Pests
- Thrips
Common Diseases
- Downy mildew
- White rot
- Onion smut
Storage
Dry, cool, dark place, up to 3 months. Do not refrigerate until cut
Value
Saves ~$2-5/week, a staple in nearly every meal
Related Guides
Track Onion in Your Garden
Drag Onion into your garden bed, get weekly reminders for watering, feeding, and harvesting.
Add Onion to My Garden →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Onion in Brisbane?
In South East Queensland, Onion can be sown in March, April, May, June. Long haul, plant once, wait six months. Day-length sensitive; pick short-day varieties for SEQ.
What are good companion plants for Onion?
Good companions for Onion in SEQ include Carrot, Beetroot, Lettuce, Silverbeet, Chamomile. Avoid planting near Beans, Peas.
What are the best Onion varieties for Queensland?
Top varieties for SEQ include Early Cream Gold, Red Tropicana, Spring Onion (Straight Leaf).