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Onion / Allium Cepa
Scientific Name: Allium cepa
Common Names: Onion, Garden Onion, Bulb Onion
Family: Amaryllidaceae
๐ 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.
๐ชด Growing Conditions
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USDA Growing Zones: 5–10
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Soil pH: 6.0–7.0 (loose, well-drained, nutrient-rich)
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Sunlight: ☀️ Full sun
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Water Needs: ๐ง Moderate – needs consistent moisture during growth but dislikes soggy soil
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Drought Tolerance: ⚠️ Moderate – will bolt or bulb poorly if too dry
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Indoor Potting: ๐ชด Possible in deep containers for green onions or small bulbs
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Best Use in Landscape:
Edible gardens, raised beds, herbal borders, companion planting with pest-repellent benefits
๐บ Uses & Symbolism
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Culinary Use: Globally used for flavoring, sautรฉing, and raw consumption; red, white, and yellow varieties offer various flavor profiles
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Symbolism: Onions have symbolized strength, endurance, and layered complexity across ancient cultures — from Egyptian tombs to Greek temples
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Other Uses: Companion plant that deters pests like aphids and mites from nearby crops
⚕️ Medicinal Properties & Studies
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Traditional Uses: Used in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and folk healing to treat colds, inflammation, and infections
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Modern Findings:
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Contains quercetin, an antioxidant linked to anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects
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Supports heart health, cholesterol control, and blood sugar stabilization
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Shows antibacterial activity against various pathogens
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Pharmacological Actions:
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antibacterial, antifungal, cardiovascular support -
Vitamins & Minerals:
Rich in Vitamin C, B6, Folate, Potassium, and Manganese
๐พ Toxicity & Safety
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Toxic to Pets: ☠️ Yes – onions are highly toxic to dogs and cats; ingestion can lead to hemolytic anemia
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Insecticidal Properties: ๐ Yes – natural repellent against aphids, beetles, and spider mites
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Pollinators: ๐ Onion flowers attract bees when allowed to bloom
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Other Notes: Green onions (scallions) are also edible and can be grown indoors year-round
๐ฟ Quick Symbols Overview:
☀️ Full Sun | ๐ง Moderate Water | ๐ชด Indoor Pot Option | ⚠️ Toxic to Pets | ⚕️ Medicinal | ๐ Bee Friendly | ๐ 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,
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Pungent Edible Roots
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