Onion 'Stuttgarter Riesen': growing from seeds and when to plant

Every gardener allocates a spot on their property for onions, without which it's hard to imagine preparing various dishes. Today, there are many varieties of onions, one of which is native to Germany – the Stuttgarter Riesen onion. We'll discuss growing it from seed and planting times in this article.

Brief description of the variety

Before learning when to plant and how to grow Stuttgarter Riesen onions from seeds, you should get to know them a little better and learn about their characteristics.

This variety is considered early-ripening, as it takes up to 70 days from sowing the seeds to harvesting the first fruits. This variety boasts high yields, which is why it is so popular among gardeners. Up to 8 kilograms of harvest can be harvested from one square meter if grown correctly from seed and the planting timing for the Stuttgarter Riesen onion is observed.

The bulbs of this variety are flat and round, and can grow to be large or medium-sized. Each bulb can weigh up to 200 grams, and the flavor is piquant. This onion can be preserved and is also suitable for a wide variety of dishes.

Growing from seeds

To ensure that the Stuttgarter Riesen onion does not disappoint and truly turns out to be exactly as described, it is important to know when to plant it and how to properly grow it from seed.

Firstly, this variety prefers fertile, loamy, black soil. However, acidic soil is strictly contraindicated for this variety.

Regarding sowing time, this onion variety can be planted from seeds in either early spring or early fall. However, in the latter case, it's essential to mulch the soil with peat or humus. The onion seeds should be planted no more than two centimeters deep, with a one-centimeter gap between them. Once the seeds are in the soil, firm the soil slightly.

How to care for Stuttgarter Riesen onions

To get a rich harvest, you need to follow the rules for caring for the onion of the described variety.

As for watering, onions prefer moderate watering. If the soil experiences drought during the first month after planting the seeds, the plant should be watered regularly.

We recommend: How to grow onions at home.

If the onions were planted in early spring, then during the summer the beds with the plant should be weeded at least five times, and the soil should also be loosened, especially after watering.

Sometimes, after two weeks of planting, onions don't start growing well. This means the plant needs fertilizing, as the soil clearly lacks nutrients for proper growth. You can fertilize the onions with a solution of mullein or bird droppings. The second fertilization should be done in 1-1.5 months. The second time, use a bucket of water with 15 grams of urea and superphosphate and 40 grams of potassium salt.

When the plant begins to form bulbs, you can feed it a third time. Use 30 grams of superphosphate and 15 grams of potassium salt per bucket of water.

Important! All three feedings must be carried out before July.

To prevent pests from attacking the onion and damaging its growth, fresh manure should not be added to the soil.

Properly growing Stuttgarter Riesen onions from seed and observing the planting timing is the key to an early, tasty, and abundant harvest. This variety is generally easy to care for, making it within the reach of any gardener.

Good luck in the garden!