Planting One Specific Onion Species Will Help People Have Them Forever
While it's possible to grow onions from seed year after year, it's not recommended to plant just one variety forever. Here's why:
Lack of Genetic Diversity
Continuously growing the same onion variety can lead to a lack of genetic diversity over time. This makes the plants more susceptible to diseases and pests that can wipe out the entire crop.
Reduced Yields
Growing the same variety repeatedly in the same soil can deplete specific nutrients that variety requires most. This nutrient imbalance can cause yields to decrease over successive plantings.
Flavor and Storage Differences
Different onion varieties have varying flavors, storage capabilities, and maturity times. Planting just one type limits the range of uses and storage life you can enjoy.
Adaptation to Local Conditions
Onion varieties are bred for specific day lengths and climate zones. Planting a variety not well-suited to your region may result in poor growth and small bulbs.
Instead, it's best to:
Practice crop rotation, planting onions in a different spot each year
Grow a mix of short, intermediate and long-day varieties suited to your latitude
Save seeds from open-pollinated heirloom varieties to maintain genetic diversity
Amend the soil with compost to replenish nutrients between plantings