Onion Description

Don't cry for the onion! This hardy, heathly vegetable is a great addition to your diet and your vegetable garden -- it grows well in many climates, and there are lots of varieties to choose from. In this article, we'll talk about growing onions, onion types, selecting and serving onions, and the health benefits of onions.


Onion Image Gallery

Onions
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.
Onions are biennial vegetables, but they are more commonly grown as annuals.
See more pictures of onions.

Onions are hardy biennial vegetables that are usually grown as annuals. They have hollow leaves, and the base of the stem enlarges to form a bulb. The bulbs vary in color from white to yellow or red. The flower stalk is also hollow, taller than the leaves, and topped with a cluster of white or lavender flowers.

Common Name: Onion
Scientific Name: Allium cepa
Hardiness: Very hardy (will survive first frost)

Are you planning to add some onions to your vegetable garden? Go to the next page for our onion-growing tips.

Want even more information about onions? Try these links:
  • Why do onions make you cry? Grab a tissue and find out just what it is about onions that brings on the waterworks.
  • Vegetable Gardens: Grow a full harvest of great vegetables this year.
  • Gardening: We answer your questions about all things that come from the garden.