Texas Early Grano Onion Seeds

Texas Early Grano Onion seeds are best started indoors, 2–3 months before your last frost date. Sow ½ inch deep in light, well-draining seed-starting mix at room temperature. Germination takes 7–15 days if the mix stays consistently moist. When seedlings reach the thickness of a pencil, they're ready to move outside, but only once soil temperature is at least 50°F. If you're in zone 8 or warmer, skip the indoor start altogether and sow directly in fall or early winter as a cool-season crop.

Onions are not a shade crop — Texas Early Grano needs 6–8 hours of direct sun daily to build properly sized bulbs. Soil should be light, rich, and well-drained; heavy clay leads to misshapen bulbs and increases rot risk. Space transplants 2–6 inches apart within the row and rows 12 inches apart. Water consistently through the first weeks after transplanting, but don't let the bed stay soggy. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture in and take weeds under control.

When growing from transplants, trim the tops back slightly after planting — it redirects energy into root development rather than top growth. As bulbs start to swell and push above the soil line, ease off watering to let the outer skin firm up. Harvest when the tops fall over on their own and begin to dry out, which usually happens in late spring or early summer. Pull the bulbs and cure them in a warm, ventilated spot for 1–2 weeks before storing. This is a biennial plant, so it only flowers and sets seed in the second year.