What is the natural life span of an onion?

The natural life span of an onion depends on the variety and the growing conditions. On average, most onion varieties have a life cycle of about 120 to 150 days from seed to harvest. During this period, onions go through several stages of growth, including germination, vegetative growth, and reproductive growth (bolting and flowering).

1. Germination: The onion's life cycle begins with the germination of the seed. Under favorable conditions, onion seeds typically germinate within 7-10 days after sowing.

2. Vegetative Growth: After germination, the onion seedling undergoes vegetative growth, characterized by the development of roots, leaves, and stems. This stage typically lasts for about 60 to 90 days.

3. Reproductive Growth: As the onion plant matures, it enters the reproductive growth stage, also known as bolting and flowering. This phase is triggered by environmental cues, such as day length and temperature. The onion plant develops a tall, hollow stem with clusters of flowers at the top.

4. Seed Production: The onion flowers produce seeds, which are small, black, and enclosed within a thin, papery covering. The seeds mature and are ready for harvest about 30 to 45 days after flowering.

5. Harvest: Onions are typically harvested when the tops start to turn brown and fall over. The bulbs are carefully dug up, dried, and cured before being stored.

The natural life span of an onion can be affected by various factors, including:

- Variety: Some onion varieties, such as long-day onions, have a longer growing season compared to short-day or day-neutral varieties.

- Growing Conditions: Environmental conditions such as temperature, day length, sunlight, soil type, and moisture can influence the onion's growth and life span.

- Storage Conditions: Proper storage conditions, such as cool and dry environments with good ventilation, can extend the shelf life of harvested onions.

Overall, the natural life span of an onion from seed to harvest ranges between 120 to 150 days, but it can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions.