Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: New shoot on December 23, 2017, 09:07

Title: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on December 23, 2017, 09:07
Its that time again  :D  Last year was a disappointingly small crop, but a new year beckons and nothing starts it better than sowing some early onions.  I really should get out more  :lol:

Anyway, if you have the time, the inclination and a cool, bright, frost-free place to nurture some seedlings, here we go again.  I will be sowing on Boxing Day, but it doesn't have to be done that early.  I've gone back to Globo as I have a new shed which offers much better storage facilities and because they always seem to grow huge, whatever the weather throws at them.

Warning - onion seedlings are slow growing, wispy little things for ages.  This is a pastime for those seedaholics out there who really can't leave the seed box alone until spring.  The upside is you (usually) grow bigger, better onions that those from sets and get much more choice of types to grow.

Now I need to get a seed tray of compost onto the kitchen windowsill to warm up  ;)

The thread from last year is here for reference.

Onions from seed - 2017 in Grow Your Own - Page 1 of 5 (http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=124774.0)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Plot 1 Problems on December 23, 2017, 15:48
I've got Ailsa Craig and Red Baron to sow next month. I just can't wait till Spring to start opening the seed packets, I need my fix now!
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: AlaninCarlisle on December 23, 2017, 16:00
My Ailsa Craig were sown in propagator this morning. I'll do like last year and bring them on in about six weeks in mini-pots and then transplant into a bed in polytunnel in late March/early April. They grew to exhibition size using this method last year
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on December 23, 2017, 19:03
Globo at the ready, compost in to warm it up coir ready to hydrate ... Good to Go for Boxing Day!!!
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Mr Dog on December 23, 2017, 19:49
I've already got some Peter Glazebrook Giant on the go - Exhibition, Bedfordshire Champion and Red Baron at the ready..... Zebrune  and Red Florence for later.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: LILLILEAF on December 23, 2017, 20:43
I did ailsa craig last year they turned out huge and plenty of them,i started them at the end of jan in the green house,they turned out much bigger than the onion sets,i shall be doing them again.
I would recommend this onion to anyone so easy to grow and they store very well,they have a lovely taste,great to cook with,not to many tears when you are peeling them.
A nice mild taste for those who don't want a strong onion.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on December 24, 2017, 11:23
I've already got some Peter Glazebrook Giant on the go

Just seen them in your diary.  Looking good  8)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on December 26, 2017, 15:05
Globo are duly sown, in a nice deep tray, around 30 seeds, well spaced. Used a mix of mpc, coir and perlite as it drains well but holds enough water too.

Now I have to wait....and wait.... and wait

I hope to see some little green elbows before too long  :mellow:
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on December 26, 2017, 20:14
Sowed mine as well this morning before work.  I got a Grow Light Garden from Santa, so they have luxury treatment this year.

One of these.  I'm interested to see how they do  :)

https://www.organiccatalogue.com/sowing-growing/sowing/propagation/micro-grow-light-garden-1-x-11w-light.htm
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on December 27, 2017, 13:02
Sowed mine as well this morning before work.  I got a Grow Light Garden from Santa, so they have luxury treatment this year.

One of these.  I'm interested to see how they do  :)

https://www.organiccatalogue.com/sowing-growing/sowing/propagation/micro-grow-light-garden-1-x-11w-light.htm


Oooh, now there's posh!  I look forward to seeing their progress over the next month or so, New Shoot. Mine are just in the frost free greenhouse as usual, so might be the poor relations  :( :(
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on December 27, 2017, 14:18
I have a tray of cress next to them as a control.  Its germinating already so it can test the set-up for me, before the onions get going  :)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Mr Dog on December 27, 2017, 14:45
Sowed mine as well this morning before work.  I got a Grow Light Garden from Santa, so they have luxury treatment this year.

One of these.  I'm interested to see how they do  :)

https://www.organiccatalogue.com/sowing-growing/sowing/propagation/micro-grow-light-garden-1-x-11w-light.htm

My 'lights' are essentially a larger version of yours although I wish mine had as sophisticated a height adjustment mechanism in place of rubber bands! Through experimenting with lettuce growing I found that surrounding 3 sides of the unit with reflective material (white paper taped to cardboard, one end open for air flow) dramatically improved growth.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on December 27, 2017, 15:21
Through experimenting with lettuce growing I found that surrounding 3 sides of the unit with reflective material (white paper taped to cardboard, one end open for air flow) dramatically improved growth.

Oh now that is useful to know.  Thank you  :)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: mumofstig on December 27, 2017, 15:52
In previous years I've brought old mirrors, cheaply, from the many junk sorry charity shops we have in town - and prop them up around seedlings growing in front of the window.
The cat just seemed to trash tin foil but she really doesn't like the mirrors. Result  :D
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on December 27, 2017, 18:58
I use foil taped to cardboard, but the mirrors are an excellent idea and they won't sag as the days go by either. Thank you  :D :D
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: arh on December 28, 2017, 15:50
My Sturon seeds will be going in a planter in the spare bedroom, (under glass until they are about 2" tall, then into the garden room, which is insulated, but with the heating off it stays at approx 10c), on Saturday. I'll try and post a photo next week  for reference purposes.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: rowlandwells on December 28, 2017, 19:00
been away for a couple of days  back home and  toiling with the idea of starting some onion seed of in a propagator  got Globo and Robinsons mammoth red and white sounds like some of you have already been sowing onion seed

Q. having sowed the seed in a tray in the  propagator  should I sow in damp compost? and hopefully when they get to the crock stage prick out into pots

Q. after potting on do the plants need heat to keep them going in my greenhouse

I ask these questions because I've always sowed onion around mid February but I suspect the early sowings get bigger bulbs?
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on December 29, 2017, 09:42
been away for a couple of days  back home and  toiling with the idea of starting some onion seed of in a propagator  got Globo and Robinsons mammoth red and white sounds like some of you have already been sowing onion seed

Q. having sowed the seed in a tray in the  propagator  should I sow in damp compost? and hopefully when they get to the crock stage prick out into pots

Q. after potting on do the plants need heat to keep them going in my greenhouse

I ask these questions because I've always sowed onion around mid February but I suspect the early sowings get bigger bulbs?

I sow into a small seed tray and prick them out into modules, but I leave them to develop a 2nd leaf first.  If that takes a while, a weak liquid feed can keep them going in the seed tray.

An unheated greenhouse is not ideal at first.  They don't need a lot of warmth, but frost free is a minimum, plus good light levels. 

Maybe try a few seeds and see how you get on, then you have some backup for Feb sowings.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: rowlandwells on December 29, 2017, 14:11
 your reply noted new shoot will give it a go I presume you mean sowing to commence asap many thanks
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Plot 1 Problems on December 29, 2017, 16:27
I sowed mine at home last year and soon as they germinated I transfered them to my unheated polytunnel, coddled in bubble wrapped propagators (as pictured) They grew well despite the frosts we had.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Dev on December 29, 2017, 19:26
I've used the foil on cardboard idea on the spare bedroom window and it works pretty well. Ailsa Craig were good for me and Yellow Rijnsburger. The latter are such a nice looking onion, both growing and in store.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: theothermarg on December 29, 2017, 21:11
I usually grow onions from seed but had trouble germinating Red Barons last year so resorted to sets, not the same ! Am trying Red Brunswick, Ailsa Craig and Rignsburger this coming year and more of them as I had ate all mine by Christmas :tongue2:
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: ApprenticeGardener82 on December 29, 2017, 22:38
I grew from sets and seed last year having all round good results. Definitely will be planting a few trays of seed that are destined for the kitchen window, OH will love that!  :wacko: how she loves a tidy kitchen!
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: rowlandwells on December 30, 2017, 16:28
for those of you that have gone with the cardboard and foil method I can remember a friend of ours making a wooden box lining the inside with aluminium foil with a light bulb fixed on the top centre presumably it was the same idea as yours for propagation heat and extra light

perhaps this mite be a better idea when the onions have germinated to put them in the box and I'm not sure how big the box would need to be for the coverage of the light bulb

but as said some of you have just put the seedlings in the poly tunnel covered in bubble wrap depending on the replies I mite consider making a propagator box  :unsure:
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Mr Dog on January 10, 2018, 12:26
My giant onions are coming along nicely, 7-9" tall now with some Heath-Robinson supports added.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on January 10, 2018, 14:13
They look like they are doing well  :)

I had to re-sow after the first lot of seed failed  :(  Internet supplier, but fresh stock (or so they reckon  :unsure:).

Anyway, Suttons to the rescue, as I was ordering something.  I can see little signs of life already  :)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: rowlandwells on January 10, 2018, 17:45
there really forward Mr Dog and look strong plants I hope my seed looks like those in several weeks time what a picture  :D
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on January 10, 2018, 18:44
They look like they are doing well  :)

I had to re-sow after the first lot of seed failed  :(  Internet supplier, but fresh stock (or so they reckon  :unsure:).

Anyway, Suttons to the rescue, as I was ordering something.  I can see little signs of life already  :)

I bought my Globos from Sutton and sowed on 26th Dec but no sign of life yet despite greenhouse not dropping below 8C in that time
Leeks (Lincoln) likewise

Do I hang on? Do I start again?

What d'you reckon?
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: snowdrops on January 10, 2018, 19:23
Hmm Sunny that’s a tough 1, you don’t want to end up with too many but how long to leave it could you pre chit some of the same seed to see what germination is like?
My sister in law is ordering me 40 kelsae seedlings, never ordered any before, a bit of a cheat I know but will make a change.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: mumofstig on January 10, 2018, 20:04
I bought my Globos from Sutton and sowed on 26th Dec but no sign of life yet despite greenhouse not dropping below 8C in that time
Leeks (Lincoln) likewise

Do I hang on? Do I start again?

What d'you reckon?
I thought they needed +10C  to germinate, so maybe not consistently warm enough?
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on January 10, 2018, 20:20
I bought my Globos from Sutton and sowed on 26th Dec but no sign of life yet despite greenhouse not dropping below 8C in that time
Leeks (Lincoln) likewise

Do I hang on? Do I start again?

What d'you reckon?
I thought they needed +10C  to germinate, so maybe not consistently warm enough?

I've just gone and checked my seed packet and it says 15-20C in a greenhouse or propagator.  It might be worth bringing them indoors for a few days to see if that starts them off.   Possibly the same for the leeks.  The seeds should not have rotted in that time.  They well be fine, but just going slower as its a bit cooler.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on January 11, 2018, 09:09
OK. I'll give that a go. Thank you  :D
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: arh on January 11, 2018, 09:15
On my "propagation chart" it reads 5+ days at 20c and 3 weeks+ at 10c, so I'd bring them in for a while, then put the back into the G/H when they are well on their way.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on January 11, 2018, 13:09
On my "propagation chart" it reads 5+ days at 20c and 3 weeks+ at 10c, so I'd bring them in for a while, then put the back into the G/H when they are well on their way.

Thank you arh. They are now in at about 15C, so fingers crossed they wake up and show their elbows soon
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Dev on January 11, 2018, 13:14
Just sowed Bedfordshire Champion, Red Baron and Tosca onions and Zebrunne Shallots. Now on the windowsill in my room (spare bedroom). The first two I sowed with three seeds per module - it worked fine last year with onions happy to be so close together, and producing small to reasonable size bulbs which are easier for use in the kitchen. However, I do like to see some big ones, so I will prick out the Tosca into individual modules and see if I can produce some big 'uns. Never tried shallot seeds before so will be interested to see how they turn out.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on January 12, 2018, 11:41
Never tried shallot seeds before so will be interested to see how they turn out.

They are pretty good usually.  You get 1 big shallot instead of a clump, but they are quite pricy to buy, so are worth growing.  Having 1 large bulb also makes for a lot less peeling  :)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Dev on January 12, 2018, 17:55
Hi New Shoot. So if you save a few bigger individual shallots and plant as sets next year, do you get a clump like you do from planting purchased sets? Or do you let a few go to seed and then sow your saved seeds for individuals again?
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on January 12, 2018, 19:19
On my "propagation chart" it reads 5+ days at 20c and 3 weeks+ at 10c, so I'd bring them in for a while, then put the back into the G/H when they are well on their way.

Thank you arh. They are now in at about 15C, so fingers crossed they wake up and show their elbows soon

Leek elbows today so more optimistic about the onions  :D :D
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on January 13, 2018, 09:10
Hi New Shoot. So if you save a few bigger individual shallots and plant as sets next year, do you get a clump like you do from planting purchased sets? Or do you let a few go to seed and then sow your saved seeds for individuals again?

Hi Dev.  I think these type of shallots are more correctly described as a type of onion, rather than a true shallot.  As far as I know, they never clump.  If they are not F1, you could save seed.  Onions cross pollinate quite easily and I have chives and welsh onions around that I let flower for the bees, so I just buy a new pack  :)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on January 13, 2018, 09:55
 :D :D :D

There is a nice neat row of pale green onion elbows this morning, so it looks like crisis is averted. Thank you for the excellent advice New Shoot and arh  :D :D

I'll give them time to all show themselves and they will be back to cooler conditions soon.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: AlaninCarlisle on January 13, 2018, 13:43
I have 3 trays of onion seeds all germinated in heated propagators. My plan is to put them into greenhouse next week (with gentle heat to maintain above freezing over night) until mid February following which I'll prick them out into individual cardboard pots and in April plant the pots out, half into open ground and half into a bed in polytunnel. I expect the ones in the polytunnel to do as last year and grow into huge beasts
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on January 13, 2018, 16:01
Alan, I am hoping to grow some of the "germinated today" onions in the polytunnel this year. How far apart did you plant your last year please, and did they have any different treatment to the ones outside? (aaprt from water of course)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: AlaninCarlisle on January 13, 2018, 19:45
Alan, I am hoping to grow some of the "germinated today" onions in the polytunnel this year. How far apart did you plant your last year please, and did they have any different treatment to the ones outside? (aaprt from water of course)
The soil in the polytunnel beds is probably quite a bit richer than outside as it gets tons of horse muck dug into it every autumn. Also, because it only gets the water it needs rather than the constant Cumbrian downpours, it probably gets less nutrients leached out of it.

To answer  the first part of your question, I plant them about 8 inches apart and feed them with Growmore
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on January 14, 2018, 09:46
Alan, I am hoping to grow some of the "germinated today" onions in the polytunnel this year. How far apart did you plant your last year please, and did they have any different treatment to the ones outside? (aaprt from water of course)
The soil in the polytunnel beds is probably quite a bit richer than outside as it gets tons of horse muck dug into it every autumn. Also, because it only gets the water it needs rather than the constant Cumbrian downpours, it probably gets less nutrients leached out of it.

To answer  the first part of your question, I plant them about 8 inches apart and feed them with Growmore

Thank you for that information Alan. The soil in our tunnel has hm compost dug in already, and I usually feed our onions with BFB plus some Magnesium sulphate, so I guess that should be OK. They were sown four inches apart in a  4ins deep tray, so I hope not to have to move them until it is time for planting in their final home end of March/early April depending on the weather. Sounds a long way off but time does seem to pass quite quickly these days  :lol:
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: love-my-plot on January 18, 2018, 21:59
I sowed Ailsa Craig and Red Baron on 7th Jan... spare room, windowsill above radiator. Ailsa craig coming through but no sign of the reds yet. First time doing onion from seed..the new polytunnel isnt up yet so only have a mini plastic greenhouse till then...can I move them outside to that? It currently has various brassica I germinated indoors a week ago then moved them straight out. They seem to be growing well....but as I say, 1st time doing onions from seed so not sure about them.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: LILLILEAF on January 19, 2018, 05:42
I did onions from seed for the first time last year,fantastic results ailsa craig were bigger than inon sets,i now will only grow them from seed,they are brilliant storing onions to great alrounder :)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: love-my-plot on January 19, 2018, 14:45
Im excited to finally be growing stuff again after a few years of not, with moving house, so Im loving seeing all my seedlings popping their wee heads up, I've really missed it! Ive always done sets in the past..
Most of the red barons are up today now too so very happy with that. Should I think about getting them out to mini greenhouse or coddle them a bit longer?
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on January 20, 2018, 09:16
Should I think about getting them out to mini greenhouse or coddle them a bit longer?

They need to stay frost free, so I would say coddle a bit longer.  Somewhere cool and bright is fine  :)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Eblana on January 20, 2018, 10:20
I have to start mine again.  I have a mouse in the greenhouse who burrowed through my tray of seedlings and destroyed them.  I have a packet of alisa Craig and Bedfordshire champion which I will get started later once I have mouse proofed the propogator.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: love-my-plot on January 22, 2018, 02:36
Thanks for your help, New shoot, will do   :)
Sorry to hear about your mice troubles, Eblana. All the more reason to keep mine indoors for another wee while.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Plot 1 Problems on January 22, 2018, 13:10
Sowed some Red Baron and Ailsa Craig into seed trays last night. Fingers crossed on the Ailsa Craig, they're last years seed. Worse case, if they fail to germinate I'll pick up some sets instead.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: theothermarg on January 23, 2018, 15:40
I started some Ailsa Craig, Rijnsburger  and Red Brunswick off on a warm sunny widow sill but put the in the unheated greenhouse before they got leggy but greenhouse is sheltered and I left a clear lid on them so they wouldn't get frosted, been there a couple of weeks now and seem OK  :)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Eblana on January 23, 2018, 15:45
Resowed a tray of Alisa Craig and Bedfordshire Champion.  I also sowed a tray of banana shallots.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Mr Dog on January 25, 2018, 14:51
Finally got my onion seeds in. Bedfordshire Champion, Stuttgarter, Red Baron and Zebrune multiple sown in modules and Exhibition sown singly. Now nestled on the spare bed - or at least they are till Mrs Dog gets home  :D
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: mumofstig on January 25, 2018, 15:11
I forgot to say, I sowed some Globo, some Ailsa Craig and some Golden Bear (the mildew resistant ones) in the prop on the 18th - 80 in all :)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on January 25, 2018, 20:01
I forgot to say, I sowed some Globo, some Ailsa Craig and some Golden Bear (the mildew resistant ones) in the prop on the 18th - 80 in all :)

Oooohh Is your new plot white rot free  :D  Great news, although I feel under-onioned now looking at your list and may have to sow some more  :lol:
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: mumofstig on January 25, 2018, 22:19
There have been no onions grown on it for 9 years - whether this means that they stopped because it had white rot, or just didn't want onions in those days, I don't know. The chap who is soon leaving just didn't want to grow any.
So the only way to find out...........  :dry:
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: snowdrops on January 26, 2018, 17:05
There have been no onions grown on it for 9 years - whether this means that they stopped because it had white rot, or just didn't want onions in those days, I don't know. The chap who is soon leaving just didn't want to grow any.
So the only way to find out...........  :dry:

Best disinfect your tools etc & wellies/boots so you don’t transfer any😔
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: mumofstig on January 26, 2018, 18:25
Ooh! I hadn't thought about that  :ohmy: I'll have to find the Jeyes - perhaps I'll find the peas while I'm looking for that  ::)  :lol:
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: snowdrops on January 26, 2018, 18:42
Ooh! I hadn't thought about that  :ohmy: I'll have to find the Jeyes - perhaps I'll find the peas while I'm looking for that  ::)  :lol:

And any larger gardening equipment you transfer, making sure you change shoes after the old plot & before you enter the new plot!! A pain but might save you some heart ache in the long run
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: gstrong on January 29, 2018, 20:44
Finally got round to sowing some seeds... Red Baron & Bedfordshire Champion - also some Musselburgh leeks. Hopefully a few will survive my efforts ;-)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: mumofstig on January 29, 2018, 21:07
I forgot to say, I sowed some Globo, some Ailsa Craig and some Golden Bear (the mildew resistant ones) in the prop on the 18th - 80 in all :)
Good germination from Ailsa Craig, fair germination from Golden Bear but very few Globo up yet - despite them being this year's seed  :( So I certainly hope a few more eventually germinate  ::)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Dev on January 29, 2018, 22:23
Bedfordshire Champion sprouted first and are an inch high now, followed by Tosca (although germination was patchy so some are much larger than others) then Red Baron. Shallots Zebrunne were a bit patchy as well, but I should get a reasonable crop if all goes well. Still got some Yellow Rijnsburger to sow this week - held back to see if sowing on a waxing moon makes any difference, other than the back of my hands going hairy!
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: LILLILEAF on January 30, 2018, 06:00
Planted bedfordshire champion and marko,2 types i am trying for the first time.All the reviews on these are good so giving them ago.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on January 30, 2018, 08:57
Here are my Globos, sown on 29/12. They took 3 weeks to germinate as they were not warm enough but are now up straight and looking promising
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Mr Dog on February 03, 2018, 16:18
1st seed has germinated - one Exhibition seedling through. Hopefully the others won't be far behind.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: mumofstig on February 03, 2018, 16:41
I forgot to say, I sowed some Globo, some Ailsa Craig and some Golden Bear (the mildew resistant ones) in the prop on the 18th - 80 in all :)
Good germination from Ailsa Craig, fair germination from Golden Bear but very few Globo up yet - despite them being this year's seed  :( So I certainly hope a few more eventually germinate  ::)

Still got very few Globo have sown some more - if these fail I have some pics ready for a complaint to the supplier :(
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on February 03, 2018, 18:02
Let's hope your Globos now grow, MoS

Mine are starting on their second leaf
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on February 03, 2018, 20:47
I pricked my first lot of Globo out into small modules today and now have 24 on the windowsill.  We have some cold nights forecast, so I'm not risking them in the greenhouse yet.

I had a rush of blood to the head the other day and made another sowing, even though I have another variety to sow later.  Itchy fingers getting too much to bear  ::)  :lol:  They are just starting to get going.

Still got very few Globo have sown some more - if these fail I have some pics ready for a complaint to the supplier :(

Fingers crossed it is second time lucky  :)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: AlaninCarlisle on February 04, 2018, 16:23
I pricked out 72 into cardboard pots and just a third survived so I've sowed a new batch at the rate of two seeds direct into compost-filled cardboard pots this time
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Plot 1 Problems on February 05, 2018, 16:37
Seeds germinated far more quickly than I expected and the polytunnel wasn't ready for them so they've gone a bit leggy. Sets it is then!
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: mumofstig on February 05, 2018, 16:41
Chop the top half of each one off and put them on a windowledge - they'll be fine  ;)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Plot 1 Problems on February 05, 2018, 16:45
Chop the top half of each one off and put them on a windowledge - they'll be fine  ;)

Sadly I haven't got a window ledge (old victorian building) but thanks for the advice  :D
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: mumofstig on February 05, 2018, 16:52
My house doesn't have any windowledges, but I do move tables/chests of drawers in front of windows at this time of year  :lol: Or have you got one of those 4 tiered mini greenhouses you cut put by the window, they're tall enough  ;)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Plot 1 Problems on February 05, 2018, 18:29
My wife would probably leave me if I started doing that ;)

She already thinks the allotment takes up too space in the house.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: DD. on February 06, 2018, 09:33
I completely forgot to post about my sowing in my diary (and on here!). I now have the first showings of "North Holland Blood Red Redmate" onions.  These can be grown as spring onions or left to bulb. I did the latter with a few last year and they made good medium size bulbs that stored well, so I'm going for a few more this year. Currently in the kitchen window (with foil). They'll be moved to the slightly heated greenhouse when a few more have emerged.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: theothermarg on February 11, 2018, 17:04
My Ailsa Craig, Rijnsburger  and  Red Brunswick onions have been happy in my sheltered but unheated G/H for a few weeks now and are app 2" tall. Have sown a few more Red Brunswick.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: AlaninCarlisle on February 11, 2018, 17:28
I've no idea why, but the Ailsa Craig that I sowed on 23/12 and transplanted into individual pots in a gently heated large propagator in late January have all died off. Maybe I transplanted them too soon? Started a new batch on 3rd Feb which are yet to show
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on February 12, 2018, 10:36
I usually transplant once they have their second leaf and that seems to work.  I lose the odd one, but most are fine.

Mine are sitting on the windowsill inside at the moment and my second sowing are pushing up with their first leaves.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Mr Dog on February 13, 2018, 15:02
Well the germination rate of the first lot has been really poor so more seeds sown and off we go again.....
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: mumofstig on February 13, 2018, 15:34
I think mine are too cold on the kitchen window-ledge - they don't look very happy at all  :(
So I've moved them into the spare bedroom, on the table in front of the window. Fingers crossed that will suit them better - otherwise I'll have to start all over again when it warms up a bit  ::)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on February 13, 2018, 18:47
I think mine are too cold on the kitchen window-ledge - they don't look very happy at all  :(
So I've moved them into the spare bedroom, on the table in front of the window. Fingers crossed that will suit them better - otherwise I'll have to start all over again when it warms up a bit  ::)

When mine were tardy in showing their elbows, moving them to somewhere are about 18C did the trick. They are not likely to have rotted as they are small and hard
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: DD. on February 16, 2018, 09:45
Just remembered the onions from the HSL - Strigonovsky. So they've got sown this morning and are now sitting on the kitchen windowsill in their propagator. (Tesco polythene bag).
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Mr Dog on February 16, 2018, 13:09
Re-potted the giant onions - the biggest ones are now about pencil width.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Aidy on February 16, 2018, 13:29
Only just noticed this thread! Think I need to book myself in to see meself to check me eyes  :lol:

So for THEE very first time I am growing me onions from seeds, based on me neighbours success I felt it had to be done.
I have 180 Bedfordshire Champion sowed waiting to poke through, I was a little late sowing mainly because I forgot!

So I shall update as I go along.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: LILLILEAF on February 16, 2018, 19:22
 I put my onion seeds in on the 18-1-18,they have finally sprouted 5 up so far,so that is just a bit under a month,is that about the right legth of  time to germinate?.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on February 17, 2018, 08:00
I put my onion seeds in on the 18-1-18,they have finally sprouted 5 up so far,so that is just a bit under a month,is that about the right legth of  time to germinate?.

That is a long time.  Where are they and what temperature are they at?  They might be too cool and that is slowing things down.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: ApprenticeGardener82 on February 17, 2018, 14:43
Mine have only just started to poke up, sown just over 2 weeks ago. I have mine out in an unheated greenhouse.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: AlaninCarlisle on February 17, 2018, 16:34
My second (replacement) sowing are in a heated propagator and the first two or three are just showing exactly 14 days after sowing
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: mumofstig on February 17, 2018, 16:42
Some of mine have just withered away at soil level, so I've done some re-sowing. They are not on the heat anymore, just on the table in front of the window, so we'll see if they germinate.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Aidy on February 17, 2018, 20:11
I must be doing something wrong! I checked today and I have 5 germinating, sowed them on Monday  ??? Will see if others follow.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: DD. on February 21, 2018, 16:55
The Strigonovsky have just appeared - 5 days.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Aidy on February 21, 2018, 17:54
With 120 sowed I have 118 little onion baby's  :D
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: LILLILEAF on February 22, 2018, 05:54
I have 2 different types marko and bedfordshire champion,i have bought 1 try inside all have germinated but that still took a month,the other tray nothing has happening at all its now 6 wks,i will be bringing that inside before this very cold weather arrives,or they may have rotted already :(
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: victoria park on February 25, 2018, 16:50
I personally believe onion seeds are more fussy than parsnips, and can take as long as some chillies before you find out they're not going to do anything.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: LILLILEAF on February 26, 2018, 05:46
I bought the tray of bedfordshire champion onion seeds inside they germinated over night,just a bit more heat from the house and they are up and running :D,its taken many weeks i thought they had rotted,im pleased they are ok.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on February 26, 2018, 07:58
I bought the tray of bedfordshire champion onion seeds inside they germinated over night,just a bit more heat from the house and they are up and running :D,its taken many weeks i thought they had rotted,im pleased they are ok.

That trick has worked for a couple of folk now.  Glad they are OK  :)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on February 26, 2018, 16:47
Mine have three leaves now. I feed the once a week and they have plenty of space in their deep tray so hopefully they will carry on growing  :lol: :lol:

(Globo)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on March 11, 2018, 08:06
My Globo moved to the mini plastic greenhouse inside the main greenhouse yesterday.  That way I can tuck them up overnight if we get another cold snap.

They are all in modules and the most now have 3 leaves  :)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Mr Dog on March 11, 2018, 10:04
My 3rd sowing of Bedfordshire Champions (a newly bought packet) has been successful and assuming most survive I will have enough brown onions. Now waiting patiently for the Red Barons to emerge. The giant onions are coming along well and are now some 15" or so tall.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: jambop on March 25, 2018, 17:46
I have Golden Bear, Zebrune and long red Florence well on and growing nicely. I have just sown some Red amposta to replace Stuttgarter which were a totally waste of time with a pathetic germination rate and have also some small Italian pickling onions on the go.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: mjg000 on March 27, 2018, 15:41
27 March

Attached are 3 photos of onions sown in early Jan (Ailsa Craig) and early Feb (the rest). all looking a bit spindly despite being in light conservatory. I think they will come through as I remember other years where I looked forlornly at the limp seedlings and wondered if they would survive let alone come through to produce a good crop! I plan on getting them down to the unheated greenhouse over the next couple of weeks once this week-ends weather front has passed through. The Globo seem the strongest contenders
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: mumofstig on March 27, 2018, 16:34
None of mine are standing up on their own yet  ::)

They'll either grow or they won't, I'm not going worry either way, as I have a lot to do after the move to the new plot ;)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on April 02, 2018, 20:12
Mine have graduated out of the mini plastic greenhouse inside the main greenhouse and are out on the bench now. 

Given the fairly awful weather they have had chucked at them so far, they are looking OK  :)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Tracybutton on April 08, 2018, 14:27
Here are mine taken today . They are supposed to be Mammoth :D

I’m going to give them some Baby Bio in a minute. That should finish them off !!
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on April 09, 2018, 11:33
Here are mine taken today . They are supposed to be Mammoth :D

I’m going to give them some Baby Bio in a minute. That should finish them off !!

Don't be too down, they look OK to me :)  Seed grown onions do take ages to get going, but they grow for longer and end up bigger (usually) than sets.   No promises, but you have a lot of growing season to go yet  ;)


Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Tracybutton on April 09, 2018, 18:37
Here are mine taken today . They are supposed to be Mammoth :D

I’m going to give them some Baby Bio in a minute. That should finish them off !!

Don't be too down, they look OK to me :)  Seed grown onions do take ages to get going, but they grow for longer and end up bigger (usually) than sets.   No promises, but you have a lot of growing season to go yet  ;)

Thanks for that. Only second time of growing from seed and I was quite chuffed last year . I didn't realise that you were supposed to feed the onion seedlings until I read about it last week , so I'm going to give that a go.

Thanks again for the 'chin up'  :)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on April 10, 2018, 14:13
Here are my Globos in their new home. The leaves were a bit wayward, but this morning (three days after I took this photo) new leaves are growing up straight
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Tracybutton on April 10, 2018, 17:28
Here are my Globos in their new home. The leaves were a bit wayward, but this morning (three days after I took this photo) new leaves are growing up straight

They look great ! Have you had them under lights ?
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on April 11, 2018, 08:27
Here are my Globos in their new home. The leaves were a bit wayward, but this morning (three days after I took this photo) new leaves are growing up straight

They look great ! Have you had them under lights ?

No, they have been in the greenhouse which is frost free. Sown at the end of December in a deep  tray, fed occasionally with general liquid stuff, very diluted. I don't have any lights
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Aidy on April 21, 2018, 21:51
Transplanted all mine today, we have some rain forcast tomorrow (need it hate this heat) but they are looking good.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Mr Dog on May 04, 2018, 14:12
Planted my onions out today - fewer red than I would have liked, but at least some seed eventually germinated! (1st batch of spring onions went out too)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on May 13, 2018, 20:35
My Globo under a mesh tunnel.  I have some out in the open as well, to see how they do in comparison.  At the moment there is not much to choose between them, but they have only been planted out a week or two.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: mumofstig on May 13, 2018, 20:41
they have only been planted out a week or two.
I only planted mine today, so wasn't as late as I thought I was  ::)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on May 14, 2018, 10:12
they have only been planted out a week or two.
I only planted mine today, so wasn't as late as I thought I was  ::)

Mine have gone out in May before and been fine.  They grow on into the late summer and autumn, so I never rush them out if the weather or soil conditions are unfavourable  :)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on June 25, 2018, 22:18
Here are the Globos, growing at the open end of the polytunnel. Now that mid-Summer is here, I am hoping they start to bulk up a bit.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on July 01, 2018, 19:21
Mine are just starting to look like they might be onions.  They are outside but underneath a mesh tunnel.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: mumofstig on July 01, 2018, 19:57
I don't know if you are supposed to or not, but I've given mine the occasional splash from the watering can, because the soil was really so dry. They've actually grown a bit since then  ::)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on July 01, 2018, 20:24
They do need a good watering from time to time as it helps them bulk up now. A feed of chicken manure pellets doesn't go amiss either, about once a month from May onwards. yes, too late with this info really, sorry! Mine got a watering with Epsom Salts too, to try to strengthen their leaves a bit.


New Shoot, your look like proper onions now... lovely!
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Aidy on July 15, 2018, 18:18
Pulled mine today, people on site have lost a lot this year to fly.
200 planted and 178 ok with 22 having the begining of fly, small maggots munching away, i have managed to save 15 of those and now they have been sliced and put in to the dehydrator so I can use them in sausages etc so overall very happy with my first seed grown onions
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on July 16, 2018, 10:45
people on site have lost a lot this year to fly.

I had a few spare plants I put outside the mesh tunnel and the whole lot were attacked and reduced to rubbish.  I think all onion and leek growing is going to have to be under cover from now on on our site  :(
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on July 16, 2018, 15:12
people on site have lost a lot this year to fly.

I had a few spare plants I put outside the mesh tunnel and the whole lot were attacked and reduced to rubbish.  I think all onion and leek growing is going to have to be under cover from now on on our site  :(

It is mainly on our site now too. 

The Globo onions are beginning to bow donw now, so trimmed the leaves back to a fan about 10cm of green. Looking good  :D
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: Enfield Glen on July 31, 2018, 09:27
Harvested my Golden Bear at the weekend before the rain set in, Not a bad crop at all.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on July 31, 2018, 09:35
Harvested my Golden Bear at the weekend before the rain set in, Not a bad crop at all.

Result  :D

My Globo are getting there, but not as big as usual.  I watered them through the dry spell, but obviously not enough.  I visited Sunshineband's plot a week or so ago and came away with a slightly green face after seeing hers growing in the polytunnel  :lol:
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on July 31, 2018, 16:04
And here they are: top weight is almost a kilo but most are nearer 750g Well worth the effort and I am seriously considering ditching Spring planting sets for seed grown onions, as there are so many to choose from and are less inclined to bolt..maybe a combination...…..

Really pleased with these Globo, so thank you New Shoot for your recommendation  :D :D
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on August 01, 2018, 11:05
They are lovely  :D  Only joking about the green face (well only a bit)  :lol:  I'm pleased they have done so well for you  :)
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on August 01, 2018, 18:07
They are lovely  :D  Only joking about the green face (well only a bit)  :lol:  I'm pleased they have done so well for you  :)

Thank you  :lol: Hoping they ripen to a lovely golden brown now
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on August 11, 2018, 19:39
Well here are mine harvested today, plus a couple of Winter Luxury pumpkins (also small  ::)).

It seems early to be harvesting either but they are ready.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: mjg000 on August 17, 2018, 18:56
My 4 trays of various onion varieties have come to a big fat nothing much!! Probably didn't water enough and the 2nd lot were late going in, but total haul wouldn't fill a carrier bag.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on August 17, 2018, 19:01
My 4 trays of various onion varieties have come to a big fat nothing much!! Probably didn't water enough and the 2nd lot were late going in, but total haul wouldn't fill a carrier bag.

What a shame  :(
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: mjg000 on August 17, 2018, 22:07
Thank you sunny!
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: New shoot on August 18, 2018, 08:31
That is a disappointment for you mjg  :(  I'm sure you are not alone though.  This year has been difficult to say the least. 

As always with gardening, I am telling myself next year will be better.  I'll admit to buying some Ailsa Craig onions seeds the other day for sowing early.  Having to grow everything covered by barrier netting means scaling down the amount I grow next year, but over the short dark days of winter, I am a bit addicted to having my onion seedlings around.
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: sunshineband on August 18, 2018, 10:04
Coincidence or what??? I am adding Ailsa Craig to the Globos this coming season as the Spring plantes sets were quite poor this year and am hoping that seed-sown ones are less prone to bolting.

No looking for a decent red one too, so all suggestions here welcome... I am going to ask in a new thread
Title: Re: Onions from seed - 2018
Post by: mumofstig on August 18, 2018, 11:10
The ones that finally made it out to the plot have been lifted and are drying in the greenhouse, I'll see how they keep ;) Going to start the Kosma seeds off soon as I bought them for autumn sowing - see how those work out.