[Pep]

Hi,  Back end of last year we set garlic and onion sets (or what we believed to be onion sets).  This morning we noticed that a few are going to seed so pulled one up.  I really can't make out whether it's an onion and the bulb has not yet formed or a leek without the shank.  I do feel really silly but I've got dozens in the garden and don't know what to do.  When things go to seed, is this a sign that they're ready or do you take the seed pod off and allow them to grow on?  I've attached photo's and any help will be greatly appreciated.







Pauline (and a very embarrassed one at that!!)

[mumofstig]

It looks like an onion that's not started to bulb yet to me, doesn't look right for a leek .....see what the others reckon though, cos I'm no onion expert 

[JayG]

I could be being a bit thick here but how can it be a leek if you only planted onions and garlic?

(Doesn't look like a leek but I'm no expert on either - especially that size!) 

[SpudtheBinx]

It's an onion, leeks have flat leaves

[totalnovice]

That is ermmmmmm interesting  ! When you see them developing the seed heads (bulb type things coming from a tall stem in the middle) pinch them off and they will keep developing. Well thats what i do any way.

[Pep]

Thank you for your replies and I'm going with them being onions because the leaves are definitely rounded.  I've never grown leeks so don't know what they're supposed to look like early on.  Not being thick at all Jay  .  BUT have you ever seen Bulgarian writing on a bit of cardboard in a local Bulgarian market?  Says it all  .

Ok, now we've sorted out what they are, what do I do about the seed pods, nip them off or leave them?

Pauline

[DD.]

That's an onion, you can tell by the rounded leaves, as Pauline says, and the layers at the bottom of the plant.

Don't pull them, take the flower off as stated, let them develop, but use them first as they won't store.

[Pep]

Thank you totalnovice.  We were posting at the same time  .

See you're from Nottingham, that's where I'm originally from; well the shire anyway.

Pauline

[Pep]

Thank you DD, posting at the same time again  .

Pauline

[JayG]

Not being thick at all Jay  .  BUT have you ever seen Bulgarian writing on a bit of cardboard in a local Bulgarian market?  Says it all  .

Funny you should mention that Pauline!

(Er, no!) 

[whiskywill]

I would also suggest that you remove the stem on which the flower bud appears as this can often swell, causing a reduction in the bulb size.