Onion / Allium Cepa, Care Botanical Garden Miami

Check the Complete List of Plants, Trees, Ornamental and Medicinal Plants

Onion / Allium Cepa

Scientific Name: Allium cepa
Common Names: Onion, Garden Onion, Bulb Onion
Family: Amaryllidaceae

🌍 Place of Origin

Believed to be native to Central Asia (modern-day Iran and Pakistan), the onion has been cultivated for over 5,000 years and is one of the most ancient cultivated crops used worldwide.

🪴 Growing Conditions

• USDA Growing Zones: 5–10

• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0 (loose, well-drained, nutrient-rich)

• Sunlight: ☀️ Full sun

• Water Needs: 💧 Moderate – needs consistent moisture during growth but dislikes soggy soil

• Drought Tolerance: ⚠️ Moderate – will bolt or bulb poorly if too dry

• Indoor Potting: 🪴 Possible in deep containers for green onions or small bulbs

• Best Use in Landscape:
  Edible gardens, raised beds, herbal borders, companion planting with pest-repellent benefits

🌺 Uses & Symbolism

• Culinary Use: Globally used for flavoring, sautéing, and raw consumption; red, white, and yellow varieties offer various flavor profiles

• Symbolism: Onions have symbolized strength, endurance, and layered complexity across ancient cultures — from Egyptian tombs to Greek temples

• Other Uses: Companion plant that deters pests like aphids and mites from nearby crops

⚕️ Medicinal Properties & Studies

• Traditional Uses: Used in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and folk healing to treat colds, inflammation, and infections

• Modern Findings:

  • Contains quercetin, an antioxidant linked to anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects

  • Supports heart health, cholesterol control, and blood sugar stabilization

  • Shows antibacterial activity against various pathogens

• Pharmacological Actions:
  Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antibacterial, antifungal, cardiovascular support

• Vitamins & Minerals:
  Rich in Vitamin C, B6, Folate, Potassium, and Manganese

🐾 Toxicity & Safety

• Toxic to Pets: ☠️ Yes – onions are highly toxic to dogs and cats; ingestion can lead to hemolytic anemia

• Insecticidal Properties: 🐜 Yes – natural repellent against aphids, beetles, and spider mites

• Pollinators: 🐝 Onion flowers attract bees when allowed to bloom

• Other Notes: Green onions (scallions) are also edible and can be grown indoors year-round

🌿 Quick Symbols Overview:
☀️ Full Sun | 💧 Moderate Water | 🪴 Indoor Pot Option | ⚠️ Toxic to Pets | ⚕️ Medicinal | 🐝 Bee Friendly | 🐜 Insect Repellent

✅ Compact Keyword List

Onion Plant, Allium cepa, Culinary Herbs, Edible Garden Plants, Medicinal Herbs, Natural Pest Repellent, Bee Friendly Vegetable, Toxic to Pets, Heart Healthy Foods, Blood Sugar Herbs, Indoor Herb Garden, Companion Plant

Onion Plant,
Allium cepa,
Culinary Herbs for Florida Gardens,
Edible Garden Staples,
Vegetable Plants for Raised Beds,
Medicinal Plants for Immune Support,
Herbs with Antibacterial Action,
Antioxidant Rich Herbs,
Onion for Heart Health,
Natural Blood Sugar Remedies,
Herbs Toxic to Dogs and Cats,
Indoor Edible Herb Pots,
Green Onions for Small Spaces,
Companion Planting with Onion,
Insect Repelling Garden Herbs,
Tropical Garden Vegetables,
Florida-Friendly Edibles,
Ancient Healing Plants,
Ayurvedic Kitchen Herbs,
Bee-Pollinated Edible Plants,
Traditional Medicine Edibles,
Herbs for Cholesterol Control,
Anticancer Compound Quercetin,
Onion Folk Remedies,
Pungent Edible Roots