
Onions grow in or near many of the same regions as potatoes. The United States harvests about 125,000 acres, producing 6.75 billion pounds each year. The four largest production regions are Washington, Idaho-Eastern Oregon, California, and West-Central Oregon.
Where do onions grow in the US?
Onions grow in or near many of the same regions as potatoes. The United States harvests about 125,000 acres, producing 6.75 billion pounds each year. The four largest production regions are Washington, Idaho-Eastern Oregon, California, and West-Central Oregon.
How many onions are produced each year?
U.S. farmers plant approximately 125,000 acres of onions each year and produce about 6.75 billion pounds a year. This includes organic production, but excludes bulb onions for dehydration.
How did the onion spread to America?
The onion was introduced by the Spanish into the West Indies soon after their discovery. From there, onions spread to all parts of the Americas and were grown by the earliest colonists and soon afterward by Native Americans. Relatives of onions include garlic, leek, chives, Welsh onion, and shallots.
Which state in India produces the most onions?
Most of the onion produced in India comes from the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Karnatakathough onion is also grown in Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradeshand Bihar. Karnataka stateaccounted for 20 per cent area and 13 per cent total output of onion in the country.

Where is the most onion produced?
ChinaChina was the largest producer of onions in the world in 2019 followed by India and the United States. China and India both produced more than 50 billion pounds of onions in 2019.
What are the top 5 producing states for onions?
1. PRODUCTION OF ONION: The major Onion producing states are Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Bihar, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh in the country. These States account for almost 90% of the total onion production of the country.
Where does the US get onions from?
United States imports Onions primarily from: Mexico ($393M), China ($92M), Spain ($74.5M), Peru ($66.5M), and Canada ($44.3M). The fastest growing import markets in Onions for United States between 2019 and 2020 were Mexico ($40.7M), Spain ($28.3M), and South Korea ($5.88M).
What state is known for their onions?
Then, finally, in 1992 the state of Georgia became the official owner of the Vidalia onion trademark. Today, Vidalia onions are a vital part of Georgia's economy. Well more than 12,000 acres of the onions are grown annually, which constitutes about 40 percent of the nation's spring onion production.
How many onions does California produce?
Shipment outlook. In 2020, truck onion shipments from California's Central Valley totaled 339.9 million pounds, up 2% from 33 million pounds in 2019 and up 12% from 304.8 million pounds in 2015. Shipments were recorded in every month in 2020 from California's Central Valley, with peak shipments in June, July and August ...
What state grows the most green onions?
CaliforniaThis type of onion, also known as salad onions, spring onions, or green bunch onions, is harvested in the immature stage before the bulb has fully developed. California leads the nation in green onion production. They are grown mainly in Monterey, Riverside, and Ventura Counties.
Where does California get their onions from?
California Sweet onions are native to the United States and are believed to have been developed from a variety of the granex onion.
Where in Idaho are onions grown?
Snake River ValleyIdaho and Eastern Oregon's Snake River Valley is the largest onion-growing region in the U.S. The climate and soil create the perfect conditions for growing yellow, white, and red varieties.
Are onions native to North America?
American Indians cultivated a variety of onions, but more often than not, their supply came from wild onions. Wild onions grew heavily throughout all moist regions of North America. They could be found in the prairies, open woodlands, fields and meadows in areas with adequate rainfall.
Why are Vidalia onions only grown in Georgia?
Vidalias are grown from the seed of a short-day yellow granex onion that was actually discovered in Texas. But it's the low sulfur in Georgia's sandy soil that is said to give the onions grown there a distinctive sweetness. The region's climate is also an integral part of the Vidalia onion's success.
Are Vidalia onions from Vidalia Louisiana?
The onions are named Vidalia because they were historically grown in the town of Vidalia, Georgia. The cultivation of Vidalia onions started in the early 1930s.
Are Vidalia onions grown in California?
There's good news for onion aficionados, the same super-sweet and mild trio of onions made famous in Vidalia, Georgia, Maui and Walla Walla, Wash., will grow well in Southern California gardens.
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Production Considerations
- Onions should be grown on friable soils, which contain high amounts of organic matter and have good water infiltration rates and good moisture-holding capacity. The soil should not be compacted, and the pH should be 5.8 to 6.6. Sandy loams and muck soils are often used for onion production. For sweet Spanish onion production, soils with low sulfur ...
Environmental Regulations
- All agricultural operations in Pennsylvania, including small-scale and part-time farming enterprises, operate under the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law. A specific part of this law is the Nutrient Management Act. Portions of the act may or may not pertain to your operation, depending on whether you have livestock on your farm. However, all operations may be a sourc…
Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices
- Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) are voluntary programs that you may wish to consider for your operation. The idea behind these programs is to ensure a safer food system by reducing the chances for foodborne illnesses resulting from contaminated products reaching consumers. Several major food distribution chains are beginning to require G…
Risk Management
- You should carefully consider how to manage risk on your farm. First, you should insure your facilities and equipment. This may be accomplished by consulting your insurance agent or broker. It is especially important to have adequate levels of property, vehicle, and liability insurance. You will also need workers compensation insurance if you have any employees. You may also want t…
Sample Budget
- Included in this publication is a sample fresh-market onion plasticulture production budget. This budget utilizes custom hire for most of the field work, which could be more economical for a smaller acreage. If you have your own equipment, substitute your costs for the custom-hire costs. The budget summarizes the receipts, costs, and net returns of an onion enterprise. This sample …
For More Information
- Barbercheck, M. E., C. E. Thomas, et al. Vegetable Integrated Pest Management with an Emphasis on Biocontrol. PA IPM Program (Penn State Extension and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture), 2015. Dunn, J. W., J. W. Berry, L. F. Kime, R. M. Harsh, and J. K. Harper. " Agricultural Alternatives: Developing a Roadside Farm Market." University Park: Penn State Extension, 2006. …
Authors
- Revised by Elsa Sánchez, professor of horticultural systems management; Thomas Ford, extension educator; Lynn F. Kime, senior extension associate in agricultural economics; Jayson K. Harper, professor of agricultural economics; Michael D. Orzolek, professor emeritus of horticulture; and R. Matthew Harsh and Chesley Farms This publication was developed by the S…