1 When the tongue is black or grey, it indicates extreme Stagnation; if black and dry, that indicates extreme Heat Stagnation; black and wet is an indication of extreme Cold Stagnation. 2  Bright red indicates deficient Yin or Excess Heat. 3  Dark red indicates Excess Heat.
Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images. Onions planted from seed are used as green onions within 40 to 50 days of planting. They are fully grown in 90 to 130 days, depending on the variety. Onions planted as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring are ready for the table by July.
Planting red onion sets, or small, red onion bulbs, allows the resulting plants to reach maturity more quickly than plants started from seeds. Red onions require the same planting and harvesting care as other onions. Onions grow as spring, summer or winter plants in mild, Mediterranean climates, and so they can be planted any time from spring through early fall when the soil is dry enough to work easily. Soil Preparation. Onions require well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and doesn't dry out quickly.