[kentishlad]

Hi everyone,
I fancy growing some pickling onions this year but not sure which to try as there are none in the shops. I thought I'd buy some online but thought I'd ask first to see if anyone has any suggestions or success's?

Also I've got some trays of onions and leeks grown from seed, they must be about 3 weeks since germination and they are quite straggly and bendy, is this normal? they've been kept on a windowsill and turned every few days but now I'm gonna put them in the greenhouse (not heated) and hope they strengthen up a bit. Should they be pricked out like other plants or should I just leave them to grow a bit, I read somewhere about 8cm before transplanting?

Thanks,

Wayne.

[WG.]

I prefer shallots for pickling.  I have plenty of shallot seed if you'd like to trade.  It is Ambition which is an F1 hybrid so kinda pricey.

If not, you should be able to find Paris Silverskin onion seed somewhere around

And yes, get your onions/leeks into a cold, airy greenhouse as soon as possible - make sure it doesn't bake hot on a sunny day.  No need to prick out.

[DD.]

Definately shallotts, but silverskin onions are worth a try.

[Leonie]

Yep, shallots here too, they make the best pickled onions in my opinion. I grow golden gourmet from sets.

[Aunt Sally]

I prefer shallots for pickling.  

Me too  :!: I'm growing Jermor, but that is because it can be autmn planted  

[kentishlad]

Hi, Thanks for the quick responses, so shallots are the way to go? I was wondering what everyone was using.
I have heard of paris silverskin but thought they might be a bit small and not as crispy as some you buy.
Last year we bought a bag of pickling onions from Morrisons, my wife turned them into some great pickled onions that didn't last too long!!!

I'll have a look for the names mentioned and give them a try. Am I too late for shallots from seed for a crop this year or should I buy shallot sets?

Thanks,

Wayne.

[kentishlad]

I prefer shallots for pickling.  

Me too  :!: I'm growing Jermor, but that is because it can be autmn planted  

Love those chooks! We have half a dozen here, 3 ex-batts and 3 hybrids  

Wayne.

[Aunt Sally]

Buy shallot sets. The bigger the better.  Small ones might just get bigger. Big ones will split to give a much better crop  

[Annie]

Definatly sets as you get 4-5 shallots per bulb sown but with only 1 per seed.

[WG.]

Definatly sets as you get 4-5 shallots per bulb sown but with only 1 per seed.

Yes but the seeds are only 1p each.

[Annie]

Yes WG this is true,but there are some cheap shallot sets around at the mo.as the planting season starts even out veg shop and the local hardware are selling them and seed potatoes,too late for me this year but I will be checking next time.

[WG.]

Yes WG this is true,but there are some cheap shallot sets around at the mo

In reality, I use both sets and seeds.  Sets for big 'uns to run through the smoker.  Seeds for a heavier harvest (in a given area) of medium sized bulbs ideal for pickling.  Sow them broadcast in a strip about 2ft wide for easy weeding.

[Annie]

WG-that sounds interesting and  I haven`t heard or thought about  sowing like that.How do you prepare the soil-I`m on heavy clay,and when do you sow?

[WG.]

WG-that sounds interesting and  I haven`t heard or thought about  sowing like that.How do you prepare the soil-I`m on heavy clay,and when do you sow?

I was sowing some today as it happens.   I am blessed with free draining loam which is in great condition despite being under a foot of snow only 3 weeks ago.

Preparation is much as you would do for spring onions, I guess.  I just hand cultivate with my trusty three-pronged thingamejig.  Then broadcast thinly and rake in.   I'll cover with fleece if I can be bothered.

It uses a lot of seed though, I have some left so can trade you some if you like.

[Annie]

...like spring onions......I was about to post on that as   I always fail to grow any except  when I don`t dig the bed I have planted the million seeds I plant overseveral months.Then  little onions sprout in autumn/winter and  I am picking the onions(well 2 anyway!)today.So any tips gratefully received...