Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat
Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: New shoot on December 01, 2014, 19:10
-
What do we think about doing it all again next year?
I already have seeds on standby ready for sowing either Boxing Day or New Years Day ;) If people are interested I'll set up a 2015 thread :D
-
Yes, please miss :nowink:
-
I'm in - not that I know where to put them, but I picked up a packet of ailsa craig in the 50p sale *by accident*...and I've never grown onions before.
Will be growing a tiny amount - please don't laugh... :)
This can only be better than my attempts at sweet potatoes.
-
Yes, please miss :nowink:
Do I remember you saying you were going to try them at home next year? I know you have had white rot problems on the plot :(
I'm going through mine far too fast, so I have a succession of seeds to do next year - Globo for the earliest, Jaune des Cevennes (sweet white onion) and Rossa Lunga di Firenze (long red onion) for March or April sowings :)
-
Yes, I'll be growing Long Red Florence like you, in my garden..... tis the only way ;)
-
I'm well into growing onion seed seriously this next year for the first time, now I think I've got the hang of it.
Ailsa Craig and Globo for me. I've still got some Autumn sets in the ground though
-
Please add me on that one, I just love growing and eating Onions
-
Count me in for 2015. I've grown from sets in the past but not gotten decent sized results. I'm going to give growing from seed a go. ;)
-
Yes, I'll be growing Long Red Florence like you, in my garden..... tis the only way ;)
I've got a terrible problem. I grew a couple of hundred of those. Without exception they all started shooting again very soon after drying off and I have mass of greenery and the bulbs wasting away. The other onions are fine.
-
Oh no - what a shame :(
I've had quite a few of mine do that, but we've managed to eat most of them up before they were wasted. Its been a mix of the ones I grew, rather than 1 particular variety.
-
Last year I sowed mine in a cold greenhouse the week after Christmas. No heat, no propagator, just covered with a plastic bag. It was quite a mild winter, though, but the seedlings survived, and I had a great crop of onions that didn't bolt.
I'll be growing from seed again this year, there's far more choice of variety than when growing from sets, and they don't seem to bolt.
-
Heat treated onion sets are supposed to be less prone to bolting. Just an FYI :dry:
-
Yes, I'll be growing Long Red Florence like you, in my garden..... tis the only way ;)
I've got a terrible problem. I grew a couple of hundred of those. Without exception they all started shooting again very soon after drying off and I have mass of greenery and the bulbs wasting away. The other onions are fine.
It's the warm weather, making them worse than normal - all my potatoes have long sprouts on already, as well :(
-
This year I am growing Yellow Rynsburger again, it did well for me this year, and trying Roscoff and Long Red Florence for the first time.
I have also found an ancient packet of Rouge Pale de Niort. They didn't do well when I tried them before, so I am just going to sling them in and see if anything happens. After this year, I think I have more idea about how to grow them now.
-
Let us know how you get on with the Roscoff AnneB as I tried these 2 years running and they failed to germinate. I notice the supplier, Robinsons no longer list them so maybe they had problems with them.
-
Well people were interested, so these new posts are now split off into a 2015 thread. Link to the 2014 thread here, if anyone wants to read about the exploits of the onion club this season :)
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=111632.0
-
Rather boringly I have grown the same varieties for the last several years
I have sown Alisa Craig at the beginning of January and then Kalmat and Sweet Spanish Yellow in mid February. I have no idea why I sow them later, probably because when I first sowed them that was what the packet said and having put that in my sowing schedule its stayed ever since.
Should I start them all off on the same, earlier, date?
-
Sorry, another thing I wanted to mention / ask.
In the past I have pricked out, at crook-stage, to small modules - they are about 1" square and not much deeper. When I plant out the roots are a mass like a coiled spring. I've been wondering about using cut lengths of Blue MDPE pipe instead of modules as I think it would make pricking out easier for me; I germinate a lot of ornamental seed, often 5 or less seeds / seedlings, and module trays of mixed plants all growing at different speeds, and then needing potting on at different times leaving behind half-used trays wasting bench space. Using lengths of pipe instead would mean I could easy reorganise the seedlings bench, and accommodate any random number of seedlings of each variety.
My inclination is to provide a much taller "pot" for my seedling onions, although I've always grown good Onions - after straightening out the coiled-spring of roots and arranging them "vertically" when I planted out. Do you think a "tall-pipe" pot, instead of a small module, is likely to make any difference? Any perceived snags using pipe-pieces rather than modules?
-
Wouldn't that just be mind-bendingly fiddly? Modules are made of flexi-plastic and MDPE pipe is rigid.
My vote is you try it and let us know how you get on... :nowink: :D
-
OK I went way over the top with the 50p seed sale and I have (from my seed list)
Red Baron 12/2015 -175 seeds - Thompson & Morgan Wyevale 50p
Stuttgarter Riesin 12/2015 Lidl
Alisa Craig - 6/2016 Suttons -250 seeds - Wyevale 50p
Bedfordshire Champion -- 6/2016 Suttons -250 seeds - Wyevale 50p
Globo the Giant Onion -- 6/2016 Suttons -220 seeds - Wyevale 50p
Hytrch F1 - 6/2016 Suttons -195 seeds - Wyevale 50p
Kamal F1 6/2016 Suttons -220 seeds - Wyevale 50p
North Holland Blood Red Redmate 6/2016 Suttons -300 seeds - Wyevale 50p
Santero F1 6/2016 Suttons -150 seeds - Wyevale 50p
So the plan is to use the 2015 seeds first and then some of the 2016 seeds and if they don't come up I have plenty of seed to try again. My biggest problem is the wife! and getting seed's indoors so I may have to do this as a growhouse inside the greenhouse and wait until the end of January
-
OK I went way over the top with the 50p seed sale
Its OK - you are amongst fellow seedaholics so we understand ;)
-
Too true :lol: :lol:
-
Thanks for the support on the seed front.
Now the problem is that the window sills are littered with ornaments and Mrs Cadalot has new nets, men are not allowed to open and close windows or draw curtains come to that, because doing it correctly is beyond the average male or even me according to she who shall be obeyed.
So any other thoughts/ bright ideas apart from the grow house in the green house and leaving it until late Jan / early Feb ?
-
Hide the seed tray under the bed till they have germinated, then do your best wounded puppy look and see if that gets round her... :nowink: and put them in the kitchen/utility window - surely that's not netted too?
-
Worse - Netted patio doors, I was lucky and got away with having chitting potatoes behind it last year :D
-
Let us know how you get on with the Roscoff AnneB as I tried these 2 years running and they failed to germinate. I notice the supplier, Robinsons no longer list them so maybe they had problems with them.
Here's hoping for more success! I am getting my seeds from Thomas Etty. I tried the Rouge Pale de Niort three years ago and got nil germination from them. I will sow the rest of the packet this year and see if anything happens. I hope it isn't an issue with pink French onions in the UK. We will see.
-
My vote is you try it and let us know how you get on...
I'm sure that's the right answer too :)
Wouldn't that just be mind-bendingly fiddly? Modules are made of flexi-plastic and MDPE pipe is rigid.
I'm very unsure about modules. Generally I grow-on into 9cm pots and then plant out, they give me a plant of a decent size that can hold for a week or two if spare-time / foul-weather delay me. They fit neatly into a hole made by a long handled bulb planter, so are quick to knock-out and bung-in.
Many years ago I pricked out direct to 9cm, but I had losses which i think were probably due to over-potting and the plants having too much water. Takes up a lot of bench space, early on, too.
So then I pricked out to 1" square modules, and potted on to 9cm. That works much better, except for aforementioned issue with half-potted-on trays wasting bench space. I fairly hate the flexibility of the flimsy modules too, huge amounts of root disturbance during potting on getting the seedlings out of the modules and normally the modules are wrecked too and I dislike the wastage of use-once-an-throw. Trying to be gentle when getting the seedlings out of flimsy modules resulted in a lot of time consumed (I grow thousands of plants from seed each year, so productivity is an issue I consider). I bought modules made from more rigid plastic last year, they have a 1/2" hole in the bottom and easy to push out a plug, whole, with the blunt end of a pencil. Much better, but the trays are huge (48 cells I think) so even more varieties-per-tray and wasted space with half-full modules after some potting on. I, now, reckon that they only suit nurserymen raising large quantities of plants who will have full trays of single varieties.
Filling the trays is OK-ish - chuck some compost on, level out, walk my fingers along the rows compressing lightly which finds any that have air pockets, top up and level off again and then ready for pricking out.
Filling individual pipe-segments may be a nightmare by comparison.
I am guessing??, experiment pending!, that I can push out pipe with a dowel of suitable diameter. I was expecting to use same diameter pipe for all, but maybe some taller than others (Alliums particularly). The one thought that bothers me is that modules / pots are tapered and pipe with be straight sided. They won't stack (I can live with that) but maybe it will make pushing-out harder / more root damage?? Need a test to discover that.
-
OK I went way over the top with the 50p seed sale and I have (from my seed list)
Red Baron 12/2015 -175 seeds - Thompson & Morgan Wyevale 50p
Stuttgarter Riesin 12/2015 Lidl
Alisa Craig - 6/2016 Suttons -250 seeds - Wyevale 50p
Bedfordshire Champion -- 6/2016 Suttons -250 seeds - Wyevale 50p
Globo the Giant Onion -- 6/2016 Suttons -220 seeds - Wyevale 50p
Hytrch F1 - 6/2016 Suttons -195 seeds - Wyevale 50p
Kamal F1 6/2016 Suttons -220 seeds - Wyevale 50p
North Holland Blood Red Redmate 6/2016 Suttons -300 seeds - Wyevale 50p
Santero F1 6/2016 Suttons -150 seeds - Wyevale 50p
So the plan is to use the 2015 seeds first and then some of the 2016 seeds and if they don't come up I have plenty of seed to try again. My biggest problem is the wife! and getting seed's indoors so I may have to do this as a growhouse inside the greenhouse and wait until the end of January
I always grow Santero - it's a brilliant onion - large, tasty and a really good keeper.
-
Kirsten - What about buying a tray like the type shown below but cutting them up into smaller sizes to fit standard trays and half trays?
Jaydig - I may go for a few of each and trial them but recommendations duly noted and appreciated, it's good to have feedback from others that have grown them before.
-
What about buying a tray like the type shown below but cutting them up into smaller sizes to fit standard trays and half trays?
Would be worth a half-and-half test with my Pipes (and a Control I suppose) ... where is a bevy of Horticultural Students needing course work projects when you want them?!
-
I stalked this thread last year and was duly motivated by the challenge of growing from seed. I've only grown from sets before and been reasonably happy. So I have a packet of Bedfordshire Champion and I'm ready to go.
-
Well welcome to the onion club Robster :)
-
Can I join in please? I know I am not at 'home' and don't have access to fancy modules and stuff, and wouldn't normally grow from seed, especially when the unknown sets in the market are only a quid a kilo. But I accidentally ordered some 'Tosca' seed from Real Seeds when they had their sale on at 25p a pack, drawn to the name for some reason. :lol:
They are a long variety, rather like a large shallot, supposed to be good keepers. We have the space, might as well give them a go. ;)
-
I accidentally ordered some 'Tosca' seed
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Love it, as an excuse!
-
I will sow onion seeds for the first time this year too.
-
The more the merrier in my book, so welcome Tosca and Bing :D
Some of us will start early in modules, as we get itchy fingers to play with seeds again, but the club is open to all, whenever and however you sow :)
-
I will start everything early as we have an earlier spring....usually. After the year we have just had I hope we deserve a bit of a break.
-
red baron sets bolted last season so decided to collect the seed and have a go at sowing seed.
results of seed sowing over last few years have been a disaster. never got to eat any seed sown onions. had to rely on sets for our crop.
have been forced into into an early start as seeds were starting to split ! and send out a root so put them in seed moduls and left to get on with it.
so have i started too early to join in
dave
-
I'd really like to try growing Kelsae - a first for me - so just bought some seed (and a packet of Arthur F1 seeds fell in the basket too ::)) Never done a Boxing Day sow so this should be interesting :D
-
Can I join in too?
Last year I grew shallots from sets and seeds. This year I'll be growing solely from seeds in those flimsy modules Kristen hates, four to a module so the roots hold them together pretty well, and I won't be potting them on. I won't be growing them indoors but in cold frames. I'll be growing Zeebrune, Matador and Rouge de Niort, plus some Paris silverskin. The RdeN seeds came from Lidl - a bargain in comparison with shallot seeds from usual suppliers.
-
I'll be growing solely from seeds in those flimsy modules Kristen hates
:)
In fairness they have worked well for me with Onions, as I have had to uncoil the roots anyway when panting, so that I can plant them "vertical" rather than just pop the plug plants into a planting hole, so root disturbance haven't mattered.
My real hatred with the flimsy modules is for things that I then pot-up as there is so much root disturbance when trying to get the seedlings out that I think it slows the plant down at a time when I want it to crack on :)
-
red baron sets bolted last season so decided to collect the seed and have a go at sowing seed.
results of seed sowing over last few years have been a disaster. never got to eat any seed sown onions. had to rely on sets for our crop.
have been forced into into an early start as seeds were starting to split ! and send out a root so put them in seed moduls and left to get on with it.
so have i started too early to join in
dave
There's no competitive element to this thread (well, not officially! :)) so anyone growing onions from seed is welcome to join in.
Of course, anyone posting pics of giant onions by next May could find themselves a little less popular than they were before! :)
-
anyone growing onions from seed is welcome to join in.
Absolutely :D We are a relaxed bunch and its close enough to 2015 to allow an early start, so you're in as well dave43 :)
-
and me too please ::) I have always grown onions from seed because I feel besides more choice they bolt less then sets and I usually use root trainers, the ones that open out which are I confess getting a bit ropy after years of use.
marge
-
Welcome aboard Marge :)
-
fankoo :) I shall have to look out what onion seeds I have for next year :unsure: they are in the cool dark shed
I feel sure Red Baron and I think Golden Bear. I don't go for large ones as I cook for one 8)
marge
-
I'd like to join in to! Hopefully I will be more organised. I have quite a few onion seeds. I will post the varieties, when I sort them out! :lol:
-
Can I join the dizzy height of the "onions from seed club" again this coming season please? I have Santero (As I has issues with mildew last Summer I hope this variety does what it says and resists) and Bedfordshire Champion, hoping for some largish ones.
The plan is to sow them in individual modules this year, rather than three or four per module then planted out as a clump, because last season these did not do as well as previously.
Individual seedlings in 1" square modules can then either be planted straight out or go into 3" pots if they have to be potted on first.
Plans are the easy bit really..... ;)
-
Yay :D More recruits to the club, so welcome Marcofez and Sunny. Think that takes us to 20 strong now :D
Can I join the dizzy height of the "onions from seed club" again
Not sure we hit dizzy heights, but I will admit to a moment of giddiness when doing that first early sowing, as it marks the start of a new year and a new season for me :lol:
-
I have Santero (As I has issues with mildew last Summer I hope this variety does what it says and resists)
I'm also going to try Santero from seed for the same reason as you sunshineband. I won't be sowing the seed until the first week in February though.
-
I have Santero (As I has issues with mildew last Summer I hope this variety does what it says and resists)
I'm also going to try Santero from seed for the same reason as you sunshineband. I won't be sowing the seed until the first week in February though.
found I had Santero too as well as Golden Bear and Red Baron. Didn't get around to sowing over wintering onions this year.
marg
-
Count me in! I have a packet of Ailsa Craig and Savona to hand and pretty sure a pack of Kelsae will be delivered on the 25th ;)
I've not had much success with sets (they always bolt) so I'm going down the seed route in 2015.
-
I have had far fewer problems with onions bolting since I switched to seeds whiterabbit, so fingers crossed for you :)
Welcome to the club and welcome to ryetek as well :)
-
Never grown from seed before and I've got Red Baron and Golden Bear seeds, so count me in please ;)
-
Ready with "The Kelsae" for Boxing Day sowing.
I shall not be repeating Long Red Florence. Without exception all those I harvested are showing long green shoots and are wasting away! Back to "Figaro" for me, methinks.
-
I shall not be repeating Long Red Florence. Without exception all those I harvested are showing long green shoots and are wasting away! Back to "Figaro" for me, methinks.
Good plan :D Such a shame you lost all the Long Red Florence. I'm giving them a go in the hopes that the autumn weather is a bit more autumnal next year.
Never grown from seed before and I've got Red Baron and Golden Bear seeds, so count me in please ;)
Its easy and if you are like the rest of us, you will be hooked for evermore Andy, so welcome :) I blame DD for this ;) He got me started and the lure of getting to play with seeds in the deep midwinter was too much to resist then and still is now :lol:
-
just Pricking out this years Ailsae Onion seedlings. and Kelsae went in today.
-
Welcome to the club and welcome to ryetek as well :)
Thank you :)
-
First time ever planting onion seeds, F1 Hytech which came free when I bought J Harrisons book, cheers Dave
-
just Pricking out this years Ailsae Onion seedlings. and Kelsae went in today.
Well that's 2 of the onion club off already now :lol: Nice looking seedlings Luke :)
First time ever planting onion seeds, F1 Hytech which came free when I bought J Harrisons book, cheers Dave
Well free seeds and a book to tell you everything you need to know about growing them. Sounds like a winner :D
-
Count me in! I am going to start tomorrow with some Red Baron seed that arrived last week. I am also going to try some Kelsae and sweet spanish onion Utah in the next couple of weeks.
Was there any general views from people who did this previous of which variety worked well, and those that didn't?
-
I've sown Kelsea early before and did well with them :)
-
I blame DD for this ;) He got me started and the lure of getting to play with seeds in the deep midwinter was too much to resist then and still is now :lol:
:lol: :lol: Yup.. me too!!
He does have a lot to answer for, in a good way of course :nowink:
I have written my sowing date in my diary as this year's festive season is chocka with people here, there and everywhere. 31st December :D :D
-
I'll just add a cautionary word, which is off at a tangent a bit. Only play with seeds in mid-winter if you have the facilities to deal with them when they germinate!
-
DD bearing that in mind if I were to start some off indoors in a small propagator and they were to be pricked out into modules to go into a grow house inside a greenhouse when would I be looking at sowing
I'm kind of thinking end Jan / Early Feb at the moment.
-
Sounds about right, I start The Kelsae off indoors in December, then they go into the greenhouse that has gentle heat. The other "standard" onions will follow end of Feb/beginning of March.
-
latest update. too wet to plant the shallots but heres the progress of onion seeds.
-
red baron sets bolted last season so decided to collect the seed and have a go at sowing seed.
Hope you get on OK. The usual advice is not to save seed from plants that have bolted as the offspring could have a tendency to do so also.
-
I'll just add a cautionary word, which is off at a tangent a bit. Only play with seeds in mid-winter if you have the facilities to deal with them when they germinate!
Spot on I would say tbh :D :D
Not sure why this post didn't show earlier -- weird :unsure:
-
Theres a good vid on youtube about onions, he says that because they are bi annuals that the best way is to feed them nitrogen in the first half of the year and then potash to bulk them up-- nettle tea then comfrey tea should work, at least that's what I am going to try, cheers Dave
-
Dave NE do you have a link to this video?
-
Count me in - New Years Day treat for me! Just one question - should I cover the seeds and if so which is better sift compost or vermiculite?
-
I use fine sand, but I think either of your suggestions would work as well Elbana. I only just cover the seeds :)
-
Dave NE do you have a link to this video?
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYK1m_5Y028/quote]
-
My seeds have gone in today - couldn't wait :blush: :lol:
-
Right, I'm pretty much prepared. I have installed my propagator in the back room set it to 18 degrees. I have commandeered a daylight lamp from my daughters beauty business. I have put the compost in the seed trays ready to sow in a day or so. I think. I'll go for New Years Day for sowing.
Anyway a bit phased by the recent discussion about what to do when I plant them on into pots. I've only got an unheated greenhouse or cold frame that is suitable. Oooerr I'm feeling the pressure now.
-
Mine live on the kitchen window sill once germinated as there is no heating in there. Then they get transplanted and go out to the unheated greenhouse. I've got a 4 tier blowaway that I use inside the greenhouse for extra protection at first :)
-
My compost is frozen solid as I forgot to bring it in so sowing is being delayed by a day or two until it has thawed out and warmed through a bit too.
Silly me!! :blush:
-
Following moderate success with Bedfordshire Champion last year I am going for Kelsae this year (for show). I sowed on the 27th December now at 18 degrees in the propagator. I have a growlight and timer on standby. I have overwintering sets of Electric and Radar in the allotment for eating. Happy new onions to the forum.
-
Mine are already starting to germinate, ready to welcome in the New Year :D :D :D
-
Mine are already starting to germinate, ready to welcome in the New Year :D :D :D
New Shoot - if I recall correctly you are a growhouse in a greenhouse man and not a heated greenhouse so have you jumped the gun re moving on and out of the house?
I have received some heavy duty ex nursery trays and have cut down to size to fit a normal sized tray ready for sowing but following DD's advice I'm holding back until late Jan / early Feb as I don't have anywhere warm enough to move them on too once they germinate.
The modules are approx. 20mm x 20mm x 30mm deep and there are 112 modules in a standard tray size, so I'm not sure how long they can stay in them until they will need to be moved up to vending machine cups? any guidance appreciated
-
Mine are already starting to germinate, ready to welcome in the New Year :D :D :D
New Shoot - if I recall correctly you are a growhouse in a greenhouse man and not a heated greenhouse so have you jumped the gun re moving on and out of the house?
Nope :) I am a woman with a plan that has worked fine for me the last couple of years :)
Mine live on the kitchen window sill once germinated as there is no heating in there. Then they get transplanted and go out to the unheated greenhouse. I've got a 4 tier blowaway that I use inside the greenhouse for extra protection at first :)
Mine are on the dining room windowsill and will move to the kitchen shortly :)
-
Nope :) I am a woman with a plan :)
:lol: :lol:
-
Sorry about the gender thing there New Shoot - As Python would say "Sorry I have a Cold"
Like comedy timing is everything, so can you enlighten me - Sow in what for how long, move into what then for how long and finally when do you move to the grow house in the greenhouse. I'm holding back as I want it to be warm enough for them to survive and enough light so they don't get too leggy, even with DD's tin foil reflector shield.
-
This was my Kelsea last year the biggest one weighed just over 1 1/2 lbs, I shall do the same this year hopefully I show this year, just of to set propagator up. :)
Happy new year to you all
-
with DD's tin foil reflector shield.
FWIW Flat white card (anything matt white, e.g. soemthing left over from a kitchen unit or a sheet of polystyrene) is apparently a better reflector than kitchen foil
-
Sorry about the gender thing there New Shoot - As Python would say "Sorry I have a Cold"
Like comedy timing is everything, so can you enlighten me - Sow in what for how long, move into what then for how long and finally when do you move to the grow house in the greenhouse. I'm holding back as I want it to be warm enough for them to survive and enough light so they don't get too leggy, even with DD's tin foil reflector shield.
I'm pushed to give you exact timings as it will depend on the weather and how fast they grow :) They are in MP at the moment and will stay in their mini seed trays inside for a few weeks yet. Tin foil reflectors will be constructed as well.
Then modules in more MP and out they go. My greenhouse is in a sheltered spot, so I get away with them in there fairly early on in the year. They are so slow growing, I will give them a liquid feed a couple of times before they graduate out to the plot :)
If in doubt, hang on a bit. There's plenty of time to sow if you think your growing on conditions will not be right.
-
I do have a quick question regarding those big onions, Alicia Craig, and Kelsae. It's all good and well growing huge onions, but do they actually taste any good? do they store well? I've never tasted either of those and just wondered from some of the those who have grown them. I know it's slightly off topic.
-
They're both sweet mild onions - I love them, but if you prefer strong onions for cooking, then others are better.
Neither store right into winter and AC is better than Kelsae in my (limited) experience.
-
They're both sweet mild onions - I love them, but if you prefer strong onions for cooking, then others are better.
Neither store right into winter and AC is better than Kelsae in my (limited) experience.
Thanks :)
-
if you prefer strong onions for cooking, then others are better.
Any suggestions / recommendations pls? Thanks :)
Strength of flavour, for cooking, and keeping quality would be considerations for me.
-
I thought I had some Bedfordshire Champion for sowing but only found some Exhibition that I bought from Dobies. Any one grown these?
Anyway sowed today as planned and I'll try New Shoot's potting on strategy (thanks for the advice). I may pop out and get another variety at the weekend.
I fancy making enormous onion rings. I hope they get really big.
Happy New Year to all
-
Sowed 20 Bedfordshire Champion seeds this morning, in individual modules. Felt like a good start to the year :)
-
My Kelsae have come through today (9 days after sowing)
-
have tried to grow Kelsae from seed last two years without much success don't have any problems with
any other onion I tend to grow from seed , then as an Christmas present old burt from the site gave me some of his
prize seed and lo and behold they all come up , and if I have half the size he has i'll be a very happy man thank you burt
-
I haven't planted my seeds yet as I don't have anywhere to put them when they come through, how do others get over this problem, cheers Dave
-
Small (1" or smaller) modules in unheated greenhouse.
-
I don't have a greenhouse
-
Sowed a few seeds each of Red Baron, Golden Bear and Santero yesterday and put them on a windowsill just to see what happens
marg
-
I sowed the Kelsae on the 2nd January, and have sowed some Golden Bear seeds today :D
-
just a quick update on some of my Ailsae Onion seedlings.
-
It would help if I could remember to bring some compost indoors to warm up................ today, another day when I've forgotten ::)
-
I bought some more Bedfordshire Champion. No doubt the other packet will turn up now. Anyway they are sown and on their way (hopefully).
-
It would help if I could remember to bring some compost indoors to warm up................ today, another day when I've forgotten ::)
And to dampen the compost, don't forget to use tepid water (leave some out to warm up to room temperature) rather than straight from the cold water tap ;)
This morning I found the Arthur F1 seeds so another batch sown today :D
-
They are looking good Luke; when did you sow them?
-
I don't have a greenhouse
Important that they are not too warm, so if in-the-house is the only option then I recommend that you don't make an early sowing of Onions - either go with a later sowing, or plant sets?
-
I am trying to make a greenhouse of sorts on the front of my disused workshop (long story), the polythene has been ordered so just another two doors to make and I will be ready to rock and roll, cheers Dave
-
It would help if I could remember to bring some compost indoors to warm up................ today, another day when I've forgotten ::)
Put a post-it note on your back door, MoS (That is how I remember what I am going to do outside, as it seems I can only think of it when it is dark outside and not when it is daylight ::) )
-
I'm not sowing any onion seeds this year. The Beds Champion that I grew last year were all badly affected by white rot, whereas the sets didn't seem so bad. In fact I am thinking about not planting any maincrop onions at all after 2 white rot years.
I'm doing leeks though, they were very good and I am cropping them now.
-
They are looking good Luke; when did you sow them?
the beginning of December
-
They are looking good Luke; when did you sow them?
the beginning of December
I don't feel so bad now :lol:
-
Finally sowed my LRF today, I will sow some more later in the Spring as well :)
-
I'm not sowing any onion seeds this year. The Beds Champion that I grew last year were all badly affected by white rot, whereas the sets didn't seem so bad. In fact I am thinking about not planting any maincrop onions at all after 2 white rot years.
I'm doing leeks though, they were very good and I am cropping them now.
I have a white rot affected plot too Annen, but have had pretty good success with Golden Bear F1
-
I have a white rot affected plot too Annen, but have had pretty good success with Golden Bear F1
Thanks, I will look into that. :)
-
Exhibition and Bedfordshire Champion just starting to germinate now 9 days for exhibition and 5 for the Bedfordshire Champion. I've put the daylight lamp on now. I hope they will all ne through in the next few days.
-
Mine are well and truly up and have had a tinfoil reflector installed next to them today :)
-
Sowed my Ailsa Craig and Globo yesterday in the heated propagator. It will be in constant use now with various seeds until March. I find early heated germinations such a help and takes away much of the panic come the busy period.
-
Ailsa Craig, Kelsae and Savona sowed today. I'm really excited by the prospect of growing some decent sized onions this year :)
-
Quick question - do you sow onion seeds in a heated propagator or not? I haven't but wonder if they will ever germinate?
-
I haven't, they are in a warm place though and will be moved once they germinate.....if.
-
I haven't, they are in a warm place though and will be moved once they germinate.....if.
They would prefer some heat to get them germinating (15C-20C), and then cooler conditions thereafter.
-
Mine are moving--- first little elbow above the compost yesterday morning (sown on 1st so that is 9 days) . They are at 10-15degC :D
-
I haven't, they are in a warm place though and will be moved once they germinate.....if.
They would prefer some heat to get them germinating (15C-20C), and then cooler conditions thereafter.
That would be right then, the fire is in 24/7 at the moment and the seed spot is kept warm at all times. They will then be moved upstairs where we have no heating, which window depends on the weather. Some spots are definitely not for the softies! Brrrrrrrrrrrrr
-
Mine are moving--- first little elbow above the compost yesterday morning (sown on 1st so that is 9 days) . They are at 10-15degC :D
that's encouraging ... I sowed mine on the 2nd and 3rd, and all 3 trays were looking disappointingly lifeless. The temperature is between 15 and 19oC so I will try to be more patient :wub:
-
Mine are moving--- first little elbow above the compost yesterday morning (sown on 1st so that is 9 days) . They are at 10-15degC :D
that's encouraging ... I sowed mine on the 2nd and 3rd, and all 3 trays were looking disappointingly lifeless. The temperature is between 15 and 19oC so I will try to be more patient :wub:
Four up this morning :D
-
Finally sowed my LRF today, I will sow some more later in the Spring as well :)
A few are showing through today :)
-
OK done some research and looked at the backs of all the packets of seed that I have and I've decided to sow 12 Globo and 18 Alisa Craig in a small propagator. I have brought in a small amount of seedling compost to warm up and they will go in tomorrow.
The plan is to get them germinated and then out to the space saver greenhouse with tin foil behind to increase the light. I'm thinking I may have to cover them with bubble wrap and fleece at night. With the amount of seeds in a pack it has to be worth a go.
-
I've got seed left over from last year but considering the effort and lack of time available, I'm thinking of planting sets for the first time this spring.
-
Bit of a rethink as the weather is getting worse and colder, I've brought some seed compost indoors and have warmed it up and its now in the mini propergator with the labels for my first Onion seed outing which will be towards the end of this month. I have to hold off because of the weather and that I don't have a heated greenhouse to move the seed onto once they have germinated.
3 rows 18 modules of Alisa Craig Sow Dec - Jan
3 rows 18 modules of Globo Sow Dec - Jan
2 rows 12 modules of Bedfordshire Champion Sow Feb - April
2 rows 12 Modules of Sentero F1 Sow Feb - March
Once they are ready they will be moved out to the allotment to the growhouse in the greenhouse or the Space saver greenhouse in the back garden.
-
I admire your thorough preparation and record taking Cadders.. I'm a little more laissez faire. :)
Mine were up after 4 days, and are today out of the heated propagator and under plastic in the best window we have.... always a trade of with light and heat in a house with a wood burner with no back boiler, rather than regular central heating.
A bit of foil tomorrow should help a tad, but they will go to the greenhouse under secondary insulation as soon as the temps rise a bit... looks like a cold snap forecast for a few days.
-
Mine are moving--- first little elbow above the compost yesterday morning (sown on 1st so that is 9 days) . They are at 10-15degC :D
that's encouraging ... I sowed mine on the 2nd and 3rd, and all 3 trays were looking disappointingly lifeless. The temperature is between 15 and 19oC so I will try to be more patient :wub:
Four up this morning :D
I was starting to get worried as nothing was happening, but I've just spied some signs of life! Only a few in each tray but the Kelsae, Arthur F1 and Golden Bear F1 are just starting to germinate :D
-
Looks like the spot l chose for germination is OK, we have definite signs of life already. :D
-
Not sowed any yet, apart from a few spring onions which are now showing. I have decided to try some spring sets which I've not done before and have just taken delivery of the first batch which are Rose de Roscoff. Very pleased about this as I tried them for two years from seed and they failed to germinate. Might start them indoors in modules.
-
Bit late to this thread, but just getting going on the onion seeds - ailsa craig went in today along with just a few Bedfordshire Champ. (might be a little early for the BC - we'll see)
Not sure if this is going to cure my 'itchy fingers' or just make things worse...
Pip pip,
Balders
-
Savona, Ailsa Craig and Kelsae are all germinating now.
-
(might be a little early for the BC - we'll see)
In past years I've sown Ailsa Craig early (01-Jan) and Bedfordshire Champion, Sweet Spanish etc. later (01-Feb), but this year I did them all on 01-Jan expecting better things ... hope getting caught up in the exciting isn't going to prove to be wrong! Perhaps I should sow a few on 01-Feb so that I can compare, and have some insurance?!
-
My Bedfordshire Chapions went in on 1st January and 15 out of the 20 are up and looking good. Still time for the others.
Why did you think there might be an issue sowing them early, Baldy & Kristen? Do say, so I can be prepared :unsure:
-
Why did you think there might be an issue sowing them early
Back of seed packet says January for Ailsa Craig, and February for the others (All from Suttons, and I've grown the same varieties, again always from Suttons (technical reason: my local Wyevale garden sells them cheap in Autumn sale :) ) for several years.
No idea if Suttons have even thought through ideal dates, or if it matters, but I know it has worked in the past ... and maybe it is better not to sow some varieties early??
-
That's why I'm holding back on my Bedfordshire Champions, below in the information from the backs of the packs I have.
-
Oh well, mine are up and looking fine -- once they have another leaf, whenever that may be, they'll be hardened off enough to be put outside under shelter from the worst of the weather.
If it is wrong then I shall have to rely on the sets :unsure:
Glad we have this thread to share information -- thank you, Cadalot and Kristen :)
-
Late on parade.
My Kelsae went in yesterday!
-
Late on parade.
My Kelsae went in yesterday!
:D Good to hear
-
My efforts for 2015;
sp. onion 'Guardsman' - up attach004
white onion 'Takmark' - up attach005
red onion 'Karmen' - up attach008
sp onion 'Savel, sown not through yet
sp onion 'White Lisbon' sown not through yet
shallot 'Zebrune, sown not through yet
:)
-
High tide - how many seeds per module did you sow?
-
High tide - how many seeds per module did you sow?
Cadalot Hi,
Two seeds per module for the Takmark, Karmen onions and Zebrune shallot, save the strongest, transplant into any modules that do not show aiming for a tray of sixty good seedlings.
A pinch per module for the spring onion varieties (at least ten) they will push each apart as they grow on when the module is planted out, find there is no need to interfere with the modules.
-
Two seeds per module for the Takmark, Karmen onions and Zebrune shallot, save the strongest, transplant into any modules that do not show aiming for a tray of sixty good seedlings.
I grew Zebrune last year, but slightly differently. Four seeds per module (4 cm), plant out as a group at 15 cm between each group, 30 cm between rows. This was recommended by someone else on here for shallots a couple of years ago, so can't remember who it was. Whoever it was, thanks because it worked a treat. They came out much bigger than I expected and not that much effort either.
-
My BC and Exhibition are all germinated about 75% came up which surprised me. I'll try Hightides method next year. They are a bit leggy but standing up. Now moved to a cooler but bright spot.
-
Ok - another try this year. Hopefully with more success! Sown today: long red florence, zebrune and spring onions (white lisbon, kyoto market and purplette).
-
24 Alison Craig Onions sown in a small propagator. Germination is supposed to be 18-21 days so we are looking for some signs of life around 13th - 16th February.
Ummmmm I have sown something, and it feels good :D
-
Better late than never , have seed : Ailsae , Red Kamal , White Lisbon
Hopefully get at least the Ailsae in at the weekend , time just disappears with work , building our extension , the allotment and 6 kids from 15 weeks to 23 years old
-
No show from the seeds planted a couple of weeks back - so I've done another tray of AC and one of BC - which will probably mean that the earlier ones will now start to show. :)
Pip pip,
Balders
-
I always find that works ;) It's the best way to get loads :lol:
-
just potted on Red Baron into root trainers. They were germinated on windowsill but have been in cold greenhouse for ages so have slowed down a lot
marg
-
Can anyone tell me if you need to keep onion seedlings frost free after germination?
I was intending to sow this week in either a heated propagator or on the windowsill indoors and after germination move them into my unheated greenhouse which does fall below zero if we have a hard frost.
:unsure:
-
Think I might have answered that before you asked it :D
mine seedlings have been in the greenhouse for app 2 weeks. the growth has slowed down but are fine
marg
-
F1 hytech in today in 2 large deep pots and covered with shredded vermiculite, Dave
-
I sowed 24 Alison Craig Onions in a small propagator one week ago. Germination is supposed to be 18-21 days so I was looking for some signs of life around 13th - 16th February.
There are 4 little seedlings so that 17% Germination at 7 days. I'm going to have to look for more life each day now :nowink: Modules with signs of life edged in Red
-
These are "The Kelsae" sown late on January 21st. Seem to be catching up quite nicely. They have gone from bedroom to kitchen window (with foil) to greenhouse with gentle heat. Need to prick them out soon (and also de-cobweb the greenhouse!).
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/G4IAR/20150204_084300_zps6d1f030e.jpg)
-
DD when you prick them out what are you going to put them into?
-
Individual modules, the size that fit 20 to a half seed tray.
Ones such as this (example seller only). They are very sturdy, last years and you don't even need a seed tray to put them in.
Seed Tray Inserts (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20-CELL-1-2-SIZE-PLASTIC-SEED-TRAY-INSERTS-CHOOSE-FROM-5-SEED-TRAY-INSERTS-UP-TO-/281474200182?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Garden_Plants_Pots_Window_Boxes_CV&var=&hash=item41892b7276)
-
DD when you prick them out what are you going to put them into?
Mine are pricked out to modules about and inch square. Seemed tiny to me the first time I did it, but they grew on OK.
On planting out the roots are all coiled up in the bottom of the module, I straighten them out carefully and plant "vertically" so that the roots are not all near the surface / subject to drying out in hot weather.
-
Pretty much the same as me, then!
-
I really don't know why we make such a fuss of them :nowink: in the States they just sell big bunches for transplanting.
http://www.locatifarms.com/onion-plants/
I think we should just treat them like we do our leeks - much easier :D
-
So basically I can leave them in the 20mm x 20mm x 30mm deep trays I have already sown in?
2 more popped up yesterday at 8 days from germination, they are the ones I have highlighted in yellow
-
I only do this for The Kelsae, which are essentially exhibition onions and need that bit extra.
For "standard" onions, banana shallots etc, I leave them in the seed trays, but try to ensure they are not sown too densely.
-
So basically I can kleave them in the 20mm x 20mm x 30mm deep trays I have already sown in?
Sounds fine to me. Thin them to one-per-module (and/or re-sow any cells that no-show :) )
-
I only do this for The Kelsae, which are essentially exhibition onions and need that bit extra.
For "standard" onions, banana shallots etc, I leave them in the seed trays, but try to ensure they are not sown too densely.
I have had good onions from multiple sowings in modules, planted out as a small clump of 2-4 seedlings. The only drawback (if such things matter muchly to you) is that they are often not quite so perfectly round.
I grew some singly last year and they got much larger and were OK for the local show as well as for eating of course :nowink:
-
I've taken the plunge and sowed my Red Baron and Golden Bear in a propagator on the windowsill. I don't have a greenhouse, so my windowsills and going to be very busy this year ;)
-
I sowed another lot of onions on the 4th February and out of nowhere after 5 days there are seedlings!
Most packs say the germination period is 18- 24 days, I cant believe that 50% of the Kamal F1 have already
germinated!
2 from 18 11.11% Germination - Globo the Giant Onion (18-24 days)
2 from 12 16.67% Germination - Santero F1
5 from 12 41.67% Germination - Bedfordshire Champion (18-24 days)
9 from 18 50% Germination - Kamal F1
--
18 from 60 - 30% Average Germination rate so far and still 13-19 days to go :nowink:
Seedling outlined in Red
-
After reading the comments here I went up to the front bedroom windowsill and there loads through, planted 2nd Feb, also I first leaf of comfrey, cheers Dave
-
After reading the comments here I went up to the front bedroom windowsill and there loads through, planted 2nd March, also I first leaf of comfrey, cheers Dave
Dave are you a time traveller? :D
-
Ha ha, thanks for the heads up, its updated now, Dave
-
I filled some modules yesterday and they are in the growhouse inside the greenhouse, so the compost warms up. Transplanting from seed trays is on the agenda for later on. A nice gentle job as I have woken up full of cold :(
-
How many leaves do your plants have now, New Shoot?
-
2 good long leaves and most are starting their third. I'll try and get a piccie on later :)
-
2 good long leaves and most are starting their third. I'll try and get a piccie on later :)
Thank you for that info. I was considering mine, and they are mainly still at the two leaf stage. They are in single modules so don't need potting on, but I was wondering if they need some food now?
-
They have probably used everything up that was in the compost, so a little liquid feed would not go amiss. Its getting a bit warmer and daylight hours are increasing, so they should start growing strongly now :)
-
OK thank you. I shall given them some breakfast in a while :D
-
I got distracted by other jobs on Tuesday, so the onions did not get potted on until yesterday.
Here they are looking a bit 'what just happened there then?' after transplanting :lol: They will soon pick themselves up and get going. They are snuggled into the growhouse inside the greenhouse for some pampering while they adjust to being out there ;)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m198/suec_02/Plot%20pictures/IMG_1409_zpsklnvjsx3.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/suec_02/media/Plot%20pictures/IMG_1409_zpsklnvjsx3.jpg.html)
There are a lot, but its looking l could have a fairly rushed spring this year, with time for the plot fairly restricted. I checked my onion seed packets and the rest I have a use by date of next year, bar one variety.
The plan is get the plot filled, leaving space for bigger stuff like spuds and squash, that can get on with it without too much faff.
It was an allium day as I also planted shallots and garlic in modules. The plot soil is pretty wet (the joys of clay ::)), so I will be happier planting these out with some roots on :)
-
I always feel heartened when other people's plant look the same as mine :D I have not nearly so many of course, just a dozen for the "big"ones but they have had their first feed and are still a bit coggled over. I seem to remember worrying about this last year too and all was well in the end.
-
Update Onion Tray 1 - No new seedlings Day 17 from a Germination Period of 18-21 days
10 from 24 41.70% Germination - Alisa Craig
Onion Tray 2 - 2 new seedlings Day 8 from a Germination Period of 18-24 days
10 from 18 – 55.56% Germination - Globo the Giant Onion (18-24 days)
5 from 12 – 41.67% Germination - Santero F1
9 from 12 – 75.00% Germination - Bedfordshire Champion (18-24 days)
11 from 18 – 61.11% Germination - Kamal F1
--
35 from 60 - 58.33% Average Germination rate
-
18-24 days for germination seems very slow to me, although I do give mine some heat to germinate.
Mine germinate in a week and are pricked out by 21 days ...
-
Those are the germination times given on the back of the packet, the first signs of life were at 5 days and I have been monitoring progress on a daily basis.
-
Those are the germination times given on the back of the packet, the first signs of life were at 5 days and I have been monitoring progress on a daily basis.
Have they been warm? Its just that, with warmth, I would expect germination times to be very consistent. Nothing wrong with it taking a while and being erratic, just not what I would have expected and, as ever!, curious as to "why"
-
They live in the kitchen and during the day are placed in front of the patio doors with a cardboard screen behind covered in tin foil to reflect the light onto them :nowink:
-
Hmmm ... sounds "warm enough" then, so no explanation why mine would germinate promptly and all-at-once and yours are a bit more sluggish and erratic? My seed is probably 3 years old, so I don't think seed-age has anything to do with it
-
18-24 days for germination seems very slow to me, although I do give mine some heat to germinate.
Mine germinate in a week and are pricked out by 21 days ...
That's the pertinent thing... heat. We often can think there's enough heat, but often there isn't in reality, and those seeds aren't stupid.
I gave up many years ago trying to germinate any seed in the middle of Winter without putting them in a heated propagator. Otherwise there's just too much conjecture of ifs and maybes that carry on for yet another year, with too many audit trails going down blind alleys. Winter sowing needs guarantees.
My onion germination was nearly 100%, but am still waiting on whether my pricking out timing was ok... I was a bit tardy.
-
Pricking out should be when they reach the crook stage. At that point the plants only have one root. Beyond that they start to produce branches to the root and do not come out so easily.
-
Pricking out should be when they reach the crook stage. At that point the plants only have one root. Beyond that they start to produce branches to the root and do not come out so easily.
Well you learn something everyday :D
I grow mine singly and so don't move them until the roots are growing through the module, but that is fact to store away as one day I might do this differently. Thanks, Salmo :)
-
Sorry not quite sure what you mean by "crook stage" ?
-
crook stage, is when the tip of the onion with the seed case attached is just about to straighten up from the compost. After removing the young seedling you can then see that there is only one long seedling root developed which allows the plant to be moved on without fear of it collapsing. Do however handle them very gently, you must always remember that the leave is a pipe formation and too much pressure at this young stage will bruise the leaves with the potential for disease spores to enter.
-
Thanks Cadalot for the pics was worried mine didnt look right :lol: hubby said they are leeks not onions. Dim wit he is.
-
(https://kgarden.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_2418_onionseedlings.jpg)
Crooked Stage. The ones on the left have past that stage and are straightening up - getting late to prick them out! The ones on the right are a bit titchy still.
Moral: don't sow three different varieties in the same seed tray!
Here's what they look like when being pricked out - a nice simple straight root to prick out, which is easier and less chance of damage than later on when they have a more complex, forked, root system.
(https://kgarden.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_7899_onionseedling.jpg)
-
Thank you Kristen, that was all complete news to me and everything you posted was very helpful.
-
I sowed mine in modules but I mustn't have covered them with enough vermiculite because a lot of them had pushed themselves up out of the compost this morning so I had to replant them - they should be ok as it was more or less the same as pricking them out. I sowed some Red Baron yesterday so I topped up the vermiculite on them to stop the same happening with them.
-
I'm glad you posted, I found one of mine had extracted itself over night and I was wondering how it had happened :nowink:
-
I sowed mine in modules but I mustn't have covered them with enough vermiculite because a lot of them had pushed themselves up out of the compost this morning so I had to replant them
That always seems to happen to some of mine. Because I sow in seed tray, and prick out, I ignore them - they either anchor themselves or don't :( but I sow enough to have enough at prick out stage.
-
I'm glad you posted, I found one of mine had extracted itself over night and I was wondering how it had happened :nowink:
Their coiled roots seem to act as springs if they have anything to push against. In the ground, this is a pulling down action which has the reverse effect in a shallowish container.
At least, that's my theory :lol:
-
We are always told to harden off any transplant seedlings/cuttings/plants etc so I am wondering if the onion seedling will have a shock when taken from a windowsill out into an unheated greenhouse, or do I have too much time on my hands worrying about such things, cheers Dave
-
We are always told to harden off any transplant seedlings/cuttings/plants etc so I am wondering if the onion seedling will have a shock when taken from a windowsill out into an unheated greenhouse, or do I have too much time on my hands worrying about such things, cheers Dave
Mine have gone from the kitchen windowsill to a mini plastic greenhouse inside an unheated greenhouse. Despite a few really chilly nights, they are looking fine.
Could you rig up some extra protection for yours? Maybe some fleece draped over a few canes or over string, so it is not laying directly on the plants?
And no you don't have too much time on your hands :lol: 'Tis only natural to fret over your first precious seedlings of the year ;)
-
Thanks for the reply newshoot, I have rigged up a shelf about 14 inches under the polycarb roof and will try and bubble wrap them at night, I have planted my seeds in tall pots to give the roots a decent run before moving them, cheers Dave
-
What do people think about trimming the single leaf to prevent it falling over? I have today read a serious onion grower Barbara Pleasant - Category - onions seedlings on growveg.com saying to snip at the crook stage and plant on when there are 3 true leaves.
-
Newshot - I have put mine in a small space saver greenhouse so I don't have the room there to use the grow house in the green house so as I grew them in half tray propagators so I place that in a full propagator at night and drape bubble wrap over the top.
On very cold nights I have put one of those gel hand warmers with the coin activator inside to raise the temperature a little so that the temperature drop is delayed.
Then in the morning the little fellows get some fresh air when the bubble wrap and lids come off. My wife thinks I treat them like children, there again they are my babies :nowink:
-
Mine must be tough little devils then. :lol:
Once they germinated I put them into cold frame. Then the weather changed and we had temperatures of -10 for a couple of weeks, between -2 and 1 in the day. Transplanted into cells at the weekend as temps are set to rise and they look really good, nice root, embryo bulb and a couple of leaves. Thinking of starting a few more Variety Tosca
-
We are always told to harden off any transplant seedlings/cuttings/plants etc so I am wondering if the onion seedling will have a shock when taken from a windowsill out into an unheated greenhouse, or do I have too much time on my hands worrying about such things, cheers Dave
If mine get too leggy and start to fall over each other I do give them a haircut with scissors at about 2 inches. The plants do not appear to suffer and do not flop again after that. It is likely that the onions will loose that first leaf anyway.
-
Well I got itchy fingers and could not wait any longer. I have sown some Santero onion seeds. The reason for choosing this variety is to test just how downy mildew resistant they are. Our allotment site always seems to suffer from this badly.
Last year I tried Bedforshire Champion and they came down with downy mildew at the end of July. I had no choice but to harvest them. Although the bulbs were quite small surprisingly they have stored over winter and we are still using them now. So all in all it wasn't a total disaster.
-
Well I got itchy fingers and could not wait any longer. I have sown some Santero onion seeds. The reason for choosing this variety is to test just how downy mildew resistant they are. Our allotment site always seems to suffer from this badly.
Last year I tried Bedforshire Champion and they came down with downy mildew at the end of July. I had no choice but to harvest them. Although the bulbs were quite small surprisingly they have stored over winter and we are still using them now. So all in all it wasn't a total disaster.
I grew Santero and Bedfordshire Champion side by side two years ago. That was a bad year for downy mildew. Santero OK, B Champion devastated.
I have just sown Santero, also Kamel and long Red Florence. Six seeds per module. Will thin out to 3/4 per module as spring onions.
-
I grew Santero and Bedfordshire Champion side by side two years ago. That was a bad year for downy mildew. Santero OK, B Champion devastated.
That's good to hear so I have my fingers crossed. Thanks Salmo.
-
Like :) I am growing Santero too :D just potted them on into root trainers
marg
-
Like :) I am growing Santero too :D just potted them on into root trainers
marg
Do you have a photo of what they look like at the potting on stage?
-
My onions are emerging after 6 days at about 18C. What are the rules on temperature from now on? Can they go into a cold frame or are the night time temperatures too low for them.
-
And I'm off! 50 Ailsa Craig sown and in a propagator. woohoo! :D
-
Reading back over last few pages I think the message is that once they have germinated - cut the high temperature but don't let them get too cold overnight - and increase the bright light.
-
Joy Larkcom says to keep them 13C max after germination, until planting out.
Mine have been under lights, a LOT warmer than that, will be interesting to see if they bolt ...
-
Mine have been in an unheated polytunnel since germinating and have been looking a lot better for it. The extra light obviously helps too.
-
Joy Larkcom says to keep them 13C max after germination, until planting out.
What I really want opinions on is whether sticking them in a frame where the night temperatures may go down to freezing will kill them or perhaps induce bolting.
Thinking about it, onions are often drilled locally by farmers on the fens in late February so they must survive frosts.
-
I've only ever seen the (relatively high) MIN temperatures quoted, but without any reason why. Stress is the only thing I can think of ... but as you say farmers aren't able to keep field-grown plants at MIN 13C (unless planted very late)
-
Almost a month after being transplanted into individual modules, mine are slowly filling out. They got a liquid feed today of Miracle-Gro, just because I had it around and it is high nitrogen :)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m198/suec_02/Plot%20pictures/001_zpslibtmxdz.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/suec_02/media/Plot%20pictures/001_zpslibtmxdz.jpg.html)
They are still in the mini greenhouse inside the unheated greenhouse. I think they can stay in there for a while longer, as there are some chilly nights forecast for the week ahead ;)
-
New Shoot, were the top and bottom shelves sown on different dates or is it the light factor that is making the higher ones bigger? Incidentally, you say you potted them on 4 weeks ago, when were they sown?
-
Gave my shallot seedlings a haircut today. No lounging around in my greenhouse!
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xwMIInxt_PI/VP7xVFf0ZsI/AAAAAAAAV2U/Srsr0rL95ME/w445-h593-no/WP_000507.jpg)
Not quite sure why, but it fills some sort of gap for me.
-
Gave my shallot seedlings a haircut today.
Doesn't that reduce the amount of leaf they have to provide energy for growth? And leave a cut-end that has to heal?
I just let mine grow, but always interested to hear what others do :)
-
Gave my shallot seedlings a haircut today.
Doesn't that reduce the amount of leaf they have to provide energy for growth? And leave a cut-end that has to heal?
I just let mine grow, but always interested to hear what others do :)
I did the same last year and they were ok, but I will let you know if they all die :nowink:
-
I am puzzled about these so called shallots grown from seed. To my mind shallots from seed are onions as are most of the banana shallots in supermarkets.
Shallots do not (usually) set seed and are grown from bulbs saved from last year. Am I wrong?
-
I am puzzled about these so called shallots grown from seed. To my mind shallots from seed are onions as are most of the banana shallots in supermarkets.
Shallots do not (usually) set seed and are grown from bulbs saved from last year. Am I wrong?
I don't know, I'm just going by what is written on the packet and it says banana shallot "Simiane"
-
I've never seen a shallot flower, but I guess that's only because I pick them before they get a chance. After all, when you plant garlic, you plant a clove, which then splits to produce a whole head of garlic cloves. And you can start again the next year. But garlic does produce scapes and flowers, so I presume shallots would do the same if left to their own devices.
Having written that, I thought I'd better have a look on Google. Looks like shallots do indeed bolt, just less readily than onions perhaps.
-
Shallot sets split and form many bulbs, shallots from seed form one per seed so can be planted in groups for the same effect/more shallots. RHS says shallots from seed are less prone to bolting than sets.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=680 (https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=680)
-
Yes, but are shallots from seed really shallots or just shallot size onions?
-
Yes, but are shallots from seed really shallots or just shallot size onions?
What's the difference? I have always looked on them as a kind of bunching onion which as surbie says, less prone to going to seed and they keep better.
-
I did the same last year and they were ok, but I will let you know if they all die
I'm not expecting them to die, so hopefully that won't be the outcome! just wondered if in a side-by-side test they will perform better not having some leaf removed.
My seedlings are still small, if I remember I'll haircut half-a-dozen and compare how they perform after planting out.
-
Yes, but are shallots from seed really shallots or just shallot size onions?
I thought they were a distinct member of the onion family - after onions don't split into multiples from sets do they?
Am standing ready for my scanty knowledge to be corrected though. :)
-
I put "do shallots come true from seed" into Google and got:
"Their true character comes when lightly sauteed in butter until they are translucent in colour or when used in gravies and creamy sauces"
:D
I did turn up something referred to as "Dutch yellow" which is seed raised and frowned on by culinary folk as not having the flavour of vegetatively raised plants (i.e. from sets - confusingly called "Seed shallots" on some sites I read ...).
There was opinion that seed for Shallots is hybrid and that replanting saved bulbs may result in off-types (opinions vary), quite apart from saving your own seed for resowing ...
So, rather like Garlic, if you are able to store harvested shallots from one season to the next (i.e. have a cool enough store) it may be better to plant self-saved offsets of a preferred known-good variety, rather than sowing seed.
-
If you grow shallots from seed, keep them, and plant them the next year do they split or do they go to seed?
Is that the test of whether they are actually shallots?
-
I've only ever grown shallots once from sets because they were given to me as a gift. Every other year, I've grown from seed. The Zeebrunes I grew last year from seed varied a lot in size, but I put that down to growing conditions. A lot of shallot seed is sold as F1, so I presume they ought to come true.
-
New Shoot, were the top and bottom shelves sown on different dates or is it the light factor that is making the higher ones bigger? Incidentally, you say you potted them on 4 weeks ago, when were they sown?
Sorry for the late reply mjg. I've been a bit snowed under at work ::)
The seeds were sown on 26th December indoors and the top shelf if the best of the transplants. Then, as I find seedlings a bit hard to throw away, I potted up all the weedy ones that I had put to one side :lol:
The bottom shelf are a bit smaller, but if there is room on the plot, they shall have their chance. I kid myself that this is all part of the plan and that I will need big and small onions for cooking, but I should probably just have stuck to the first lot of transplants ;)
-
Hurray, all my tiny onion seedlings are up. And now pricked out into individual cells. I was aiming for 30 onions, stopped pricking them out when I filled the 48 cells and ate the remainder...well, I don't like throwing seedlings away, and they are edible! :)
They will be playing hokey cokey on the balcony for a little while then going to live in the culticave on the allotment.
-
I have not read this thread before (not sure why) but wonder if I qualify to join this club as I had sown some Alicia Craig seeds sometime near the end of last year then forgot about them and they stayed in the greenhouse. A few weeks ago I checked them and they were looking surprisingly good so implanted them in the poly tunnel. Mine will have been sown long before any of yours and may not do as well but if it's ok for me to join I would love to show you how they get on :)
-
As a newbie to growing onions from seed, when do they get planted out and when do they need feeding?
-
Mine are now all at three leaf stage and I am just wondering should I give them a little feed?
-
I like to experiment, grow Japanese thro winter some sets nd some from seed, tried some in polytunnel and some outside. also summer ones from seed and sets, first time this year an trying mamouth from seed I' been told theres not much taste but i will wait and see, cos i just luv onions.
-
Onion seedlings ( sown on 5 Feb.)
The ones transplanted into paper cups are not particularly vigorous whereas the ones I've left in the original 6 x 4 ( say 12cm x 8cm) small seed tray are doing well - maybe because the small tray fits on the window ledge and gets lots of light whereas the others are on a shelf over the bath and get a sort of sideways light!
-
Mine will have been sown long before any of yours and may not do as well but if it's ok for me to join I would love to show you how they get on :)
All are welcome in the onion club Ma :)
As a newbie to growing onions from seed, when do they get planted out and when do they need feeding?
Mine are now all at three leaf stage and I am just wondering should I give them a little feed?
Re feeding questions. As these stay in modules or trays for quite a while, a feed now and then is worth doing. Mine have had a feed of MiracleGro because I had it on hand and it is high nitrogen.
They need to be gradually hardened off and planted out when the weather is a bit more summer like. Mine went out late April last year and it was a much warmer spring, so no rush ;)
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=101081.msg1308633#msg1308633
-
Thank you New Shoot.
I also sowed another tray of the Alisa Craig onions last week and will see how they do hope it's not too late. I also found some Bedfordshire Champion seeds do you think its too late to sow some of them?
-
Re feeding questions. As these stay in modules or trays for quite a while, a feed now and then is worth doing. Mine have had a feed of MiracleGro because I had it on hand and it is high nitrogen.
They need to be gradually hardened off and planted out when the weather is a bit more summer like. Mine went out late April last year and it was a much warmer spring, so no rush ;)
Fab - thank you. I checked them at the weekend and the Ailsa Craig were looking great. I'll give them a little feed this weekend.
-
I also found some Bedfordshire Champion seeds do you think its too late to sow some of them?
No not at all. If you want big onions you do need to sow early, but if you are happy with small to medium onions for general cooking, you can sow now :)
I have a packet of long red onions that need to be used up this year and I was going to start them in the greenhouse (unheated) any time now. We have a cold night tonight and then it gets milder, so it will probably be on my day off next week.
-
How long is it before the seedlings do anything? Mine are flopping about all over the place, but still only have one leaf. They are now in the unheated greenhouse basking away, but I haven't treated them hugely well. They've been on my north-facing balcony for a bit as it's the only space I have.
-
hi all
update to onions from seed .... just planted out own seed collected last August sown late November left in cool greenhouse not mollycoddled at all.... noticed a few had started forming bulb....fingers crossed they do well
-
How long is it before the seedlings do anything? Mine are flopping about all over the place, but still only have one leaf. They are now in the unheated greenhouse basking away, but I haven't treated them hugely well. They've been on my north-facing balcony for a bit as it's the only space I have.
Same here, and I have mind in 20mm x 20mm x 30mm deep modules, I have moved some of the healthier looking specimens into vending machine cups, and I don't know if that is the right thing to do or not?
What would be really useful is some guidance from the old hands here with some photographs.
-
I sowed mine six seeds to a module the last week in February. They sit in a cold frame, mostly with 2 leaves but a few with the 3rd just showing. There is no hurry to plant them out. Mine will probably be planted out around the end of the month. Better to wait for well grown plants than plant them small and at risk from bad weather. My rule is 3 leaves minimum.
The farmers who grow them on the Fens say onions will look nothing until Derby Day. They are quite right. You will keep looking at your whispy plants and then all of a sudden realise you do have an onion crop.
-
Not sure I am an old hand, as I have only been growing onions from seeds for a few years, but mine are out of the mini greenhouse that is inside the main greenhouse and are now on the staging. They have had 2 feeds so far and are suddenly putting on a spurt of growth.
I dug the onion patch over on the plot the other day and decided I had way too many seedlings, so (big gulp and a sob :() , I threw the weediest ones into the compost.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m198/suec_02/Plot%20pictures/IMG_1440_zpsba4bv8mm.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/suec_02/media/Plot%20pictures/IMG_1440_zpsba4bv8mm.jpg.html)
Like Salmo, I'm in no hurry to plant them out. If they get a good start, you get much bigger onions and they carry on growing while the set grown ones have already given up and are bending their necks over. Honest folks, the faff will pay dividends ;)
-
Silly isn't it but I'm getting very excited at the thought of some decent sized onions this year! :)
When they get planted out, how deep should they go in? With sets the bottom sits just below the surface of the soil...does it matter with seed grown onions??
-
I straighten the roots on mine when planting out, and arrange the roots "vertically" in the planting hole. They tend to be all coiled up in the bottom of the module cell.
I don't plant then "deep", as such, but with the bulb part just below the surface.
-
I probably plant mine a bit deeper than Kristen - to what you might call the neck. But to be honest, I'm not sure it really matters. Occasionally a few of mine go in a bit deeper, others are quite shallow. The very few losses I get seem to be unrelated to the depth at which I plant them.
I've given up on my onions from seed: my vegetable patch is still flooded and it looks like it will be that way for quite a while as the water level is in fact rising rather than subsiding. I've got some new ground cleared, but onions will do very bady in it, so I'll be growing brassicas in it instead. I'll still be checking in from time to see how you're all doing. Best of luck.
-
Fab - thank you for the info :)
-
My Hytech are looking really healthy and well into the 3 leaf stage, one whole packet sprinkled into 2 large deep pots, is it a good idea to give a weak feed now? Dave
-
That is the method favoured by the garden centres down here a six or 8 inch pot with about 80 or so seedlings in it grown on to the thickness of about an 1/8th of an inch. Don't suppose a weak feed would do any harm to them but you will be planting out soon? When planting them out they way I have done it, to avoid too much root damage, is to wash the compost away and dib them in about an inch down... the first year I got onions about four inches in diameter and bigger and they kept really well but it was an exceptional year they were planted in a wet spell in May and then hardly a drop of rain all summer in truth they were actually a bit too big for normal kitchen use but what a joy to see them grow like that.
-
is it a good idea to give a weak feed now? Dave
I would. Mine have had MiracleGro twice now at normal dilution rates. Even if they are going out in a few weeks, the compost will be depleted of nutrients by now and its important to keep them growing steadily :)
-
in truth they were actually a bit too big for normal kitchen use but what a joy to see them grow like that.
Better too big than too small!
-
Hoping to get mine out next week, before it gets too hot but after the ground has dried out a bit.
-
Thanks New Shoot, job done :D
-
When should they be planted out? I asked around the lotty and was told be fearfull of a late frost, some of mine are nearly pencil thick. All in modules
-
I think the advice you have had is pretty sound.
Mine went out 24th April last year, but it was a milder spring. I'm going to keep mine in for a bit yet and up their feed rations as they are now starting to bulk up a bit :)
-
Thanks New Shoot, I'll keep em cosy for a while longer, but I can remember having frost in late May :(
-
Despite ignoring mine apart from a drop of water occasionally ::) Mine have survived and look happier with the recent warmth.
I'll give them a feed and keep my fingers crossed :D
-
Mine now have a hearty sprinkling of green aphids. :mad:
-
Mine now have a hearty sprinkling of green aphids. :mad:
Sounds like they need a little soapy wash.... I've never had aphids on onions :ohmy:
-
Here in Bulgaria it is supposed to be 27 degrees today so I have put my onions out, I feel they have a better chance in the ground which is still damp underneath and they have shade in the early afternoon than in cells where it difficult to keep them out of the sun. Although night temperatures are supposed to dip to 3 next week, the ground is warm and they have been living out for over a week so hopefully they will survive OK.
-
I have planted mine out as I am running out of space to look after them properly. If (or is that when?) frost threaten I shall cover them well with cloches and fleece, but they are well hardened off so in theory should be fine.
-
I know most of us are looking after our onion seedlings as if they were babys, I know I am but I wonder how farmers manage their crops, Dave
-
Well the onions are not from seed but this is like something from a Sci Fi movie enjoy this video and if you really like onions make an investment !
M7hkzaPpPkM
-
Planted out my shallots yesterday, blades of grass...
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YlAj85Lbrmg/VTkq2LzJMEI/AAAAAAAAWPk/4H0FC3r0k3g/w445-h593-no/WP_000617.jpg)
-
Oh no, I threw mine because I figured they shouldnt look like that. Never done them from seed and thought they should be bigger and stood up more opppssss :blush:
-
I don't know whether they should be like that either! I just needed the space! :nowink: :nowink:
-
I don't know whether they should be like that either! I just needed the space! :nowink: :nowink:
Mine were the same, I was too embarrassed to ask incase everyone laughed at me. Havent got my old gal badge yet :blush:
-
I don't know whether they should be like that either! I just needed the space! :nowink: :nowink:
Mine were the same, I was too embarrassed to ask incase everyone laughed at me. Havent got my old gal badge yet :blush:
Silly girl, we wouldn't have laughed. I've not grown shallots from seed but have done onions. Scrap that I grew banana shallots once, I think I planted them out when the roots were filling the module I'd sown them into.
-
Mine are out. Half were planted into a raised bed at home last week and the other half went out on the plot yesterday.
They must be getting well watered in today ::) It's pouring down here :lol:
-
Yesterday I planted out 80 Santero onions that have been grown from seed. In my opinion they have not done nearly as well as last year. I've got 80 plants from 160 seeds sown. Last year I got 50 (Bedfordshire Champion) from 80 sown.
Will have to see how they go!
They must be getting well watered in today ::) It's pouring down here :lol:
Snap. Same here :D
-
Mine are out now. Germination not very good this year, not sure why, did them under heat as usual in January.
The Yellow Rynsburger did OK as did the Roscoff pink ones. Long Red Florence and Zebrune shallot managed to produce a whole 1 onion each from around 30 of each sown. The LRF were brand new seed and the Zebrune only a year old. Bit cross about that and have had to supplement with some Longor sets.
I will sow some Blood Red Holland Redmate spring onions and let a few run on larger (they do that quite well) to make up for the LRF failure.
-
The Yellow Rynsburger did OK as did the Roscoff pink ones. Long Red Florence and Zebrune shallot managed to produce a whole 1 onion each from around 30 of each sown. The LRF were brand new seed and the Zebrune only a year old. Bit cross about that and have had to supplement with some Longor sets.
As I understand it, seeds generally produce a single shallot. If you want clumps, you need to plant sets.
I have had some round-type shallots grown from seed split. However, each one is so small that a single larger one is more useful in the kitchen.
-
OK I may have done a stupid thing but I transplanted by blades of grass into vending machine cups and some of them appear to bucked up, my plan is to let them beef up a little before letting them become slug food on the allotment, they just look so pathetic and small.
-
Anne, shallots from seed are meant to produce one bulb in the first year, it's the second year they divide.
Think about the sets you planted, they are a year old already and you are growing them in the 2nd year!
Don't throw them, plant them next year and you'll be drowning in shallots.
edit: Also, Long Red Florence are not a shallot, they are an heritage onion from Italy, that can be used as both a spring onion or allowed to grow on to an elongated bulb.
I only know as I am growing them myself for the first time this year from seed so have been having a read about the web!
edit 2: I just re-read your post, apologies... I now understand you had germination failures not failed to get more than one bulb per seed!
-
Anne, shallots from seed are meant to produce one bulb in the first year, it's the second year they divide.
Think about the sets you planted, they are a year old already and you are growing them in the 2nd year!
Don't throw them, plant them next year and you'll be drowning in shallots.
Do shallots from seed split in the second year or do they go to seed? If they do not go to seed how are new seed produced.
Several people have talked about this but has anyone done it?
-
The Yellow Rynsburger did OK as did the Roscoff pink ones. Long Red Florence and Zebrune shallot managed to produce a whole 1 onion each from around 30 of each sown. The LRF were brand new seed and the Zebrune only a year old. Bit cross about that and have had to supplement with some Longor sets.
As I understand it, seeds generally produce a single shallot. If you want clumps, you need to plant sets.
I have had some round-type shallots grown from seed split. However, each one is so small that a single larger one is more useful in the kitchen.
Snoop, I have only produced 1 single shallot in total from the 30 odd that I have sown. I wasn't expecting them to multiply straight from seed.
-
Mine went into the ground yesterday, I am half expecting to go to the plot tomorrow and find them washed down the hill the amount of rain we have had here last night and this morning.
-
Anne, shallots from seed are meant to produce one bulb in the first year, it's the second year they divide.
Think about the sets you planted, they are a year old already and you are growing them in the 2nd year!
Don't throw them, plant them next year and you'll be drowning in shallots.
edit: Also, Long Red Florence are not a shallot, they are an heritage onion from Italy, that can be used as both a spring onion or allowed to grow on to an elongated bulb.
I only know as I am growing them myself for the first time this year from seed so have been having a read about the web!
edit 2: I just re-read your post, apologies... I now understand you had germination failures not failed to get more than one bulb per seed!
I know Long Red Florence is an onion and not a shallot, it's just that both they and the Zebrune shallots didn't germinate other than a solitary seed for each out of 30. Sorry my shorthand made it sound as if I thought they were both shallots.
-
My Bedford Champ and Ailsa Craig are very grasslike - some have been in unheated GH, some have been in modules in sheltered spots, some have had weak tom feed. Two different types of compost. Not great germination rates.
I'm not sure I'll have one that will win the inaugural allotment site competition.
Reminds me of that play: 'Much Faffing About Nothing' :(
I may yet be surprised I guess...
On a less downbeat note - do any of you reuse your onion bed year on year - I understand that is what most competitive onion growers do.
Pip pip,
Balders
-
I don't find onions from seed that much faff tbh :) I sow them, transplant to individual modules, then just keep them in the cold greenhouse and water them with some feed every so often.
These are mine in the raised bed at home this morning. They have survived the wind and rain over the last couple of days and are looking a bit bedraggled, but OK :)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m198/suec_02/Plot%20pictures/IMG_1466_zpsc2dyqeaq.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/suec_02/media/Plot%20pictures/IMG_1466_zpsc2dyqeaq.jpg.html)
These are Globo and have achieved the 'thick as a biro' standard before they went out. Well chuffed so far :D
-
Was worried that mine were a bit small to plant out but same as yours so will be planting them out soon :)
Never grown from seed before so happy with how many have actually grown so will def try again next year.
-
Planted out my hytech f1 yesterday, these were sown in large pots but there was a difference in the plants, 2x pots 7 1/4" diameter x 6" high and 8 1/4" high, the taller pot had much sturdier plants and I have planted them in a separate bed for comparison, Dave
-
hi all update.
starting to speed up now they are over the shock of transplanting.. one feed with nitrogen fertilizer and chicken pellets before transplanting.
-
hi all update.
starting to speed up now they are over the shock of transplanting.. one feed with nitrogen fertilizer and chicken pellets before transplanting.
They look good :)
-
yes im a bit surprised with the outcome
they have now passed the onion sets I put in at the same time. to act as a control for my experiment. ' how seeds survive with neglect '
Dave
-
Have finally planted out the onions sown in January. The ones I potted on came to nothing but these (35 or so) which I left in the small container I sowed them in are looking strong and very oniony! Came apart very easily so hope I haven't damaged the roots system too much. Threw feed around all over the onion bed and watered in. The red onion sets I put in late last autumn are not as good as they promised to be earlier in the year but some are beginning to bulk up. Keeping them all well watered, fed and weeded. What more can I do?
-
My overwintered onions are not so great either mjg. The plot ones are pathetic and are getting pulled up soon if they don't start moving. The home ones are better and I'm going to start eating those as green onions very soon.
That is the one plus. They make good eating as giant spring onions if they don't bulk up :)
-
Didn't bother with autumn onions last year but spring ones from sets are showing decent growth of green. Yesterday planted my red and white onions from seed and although bit grassy looking, have quite a lot once started dividing them. At least 4 rows :)
-
My seed-sown onions are taller than those I planted as sets -- a good sign I hope!
and the Autumn planted sets are beginning to bulk up at last, really quite quickly. Must be all the recent rain I guess.
-
Planted out my Kelsae, red onions and shallots yesterday...all grown from seed. The Kelsae are the size of spring onions! Just got my Ailsa Craig to plant out now.
-
I got 30-ish of the Ailsa Craig out on the weekend. They do look very wispy.
-
I think they look fine. Give them time and you may be pleasantly surprised by what you get this autumn ;) :)
-
I'm looking forward to it! Will have to stop the allotment cat lying on them, but then I have a blackthorn hedge next to my plot... :D
-
Ive just sown from modules grown in greenhouse months ago
Seed im trying are for the first time are
Giant Zittau
Yellow Rynsburger
Tough Ball
-
Well nearly midsummer (at least by the calendar - the weather has had its own agenda ::)) and I'm feeling pretty happy with these so far :)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m198/suec_02/Plot%20pictures/IMG_1496_zpsqlkxrsce.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/suec_02/media/Plot%20pictures/IMG_1496_zpsqlkxrsce.jpg.html)
These are the ones at home. The plot ones went out a week or so later and and not so far advanced, but this is a marathon, not a sprint. By the end of the summer, I'm sure both lots will be much of a muchness :lol:
-
Didn't take a photo of my seedling onions but the "seeds" are looking very healthy. I have a bed with red "autumn" set onions, nearly ready but only 6 - 10 have survived to adulthood. Then a 100 or so set onions which are working hard and looking bedraggled but surviving and then the "babes" which are looking healthy but yet to catch up in size. Still watering, should I stop watering the red (autumn) ones now?
-
Apart from being a bit wind-blown, mine are looking OK now, and should soon start bulking up as the days tip over mid-summer.
I have given them some Epsom salts, straight into the ground, as this, plus chicken manure pellets, seemed to boost the Autumn onions well,
The magnesium helps strengthen cell walls and the sulphur improves flavour, so what's to lose? :nowink:
-
I have mine in ☺ looking good for now. I have a prob with rabbits digging things up😕
-
My blades of grass have suddenly started to fill out...
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N8PdDgvQBYU/VYQ2jT3l9wI/AAAAAAAAXcM/csUqSbc8UKU/w444-h593-no/WP_000723.jpg)
...and with a bit of imagination could look like a red banana shallot...
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pYxe1PPLLQY/VYQ2il5pH3I/AAAAAAAAXcE/-fxLruoH0YE/w444-h593-no/WP_000724.jpg)
...albeit a small one...
-
My blades of grass are growing but are still not particularly big ;)
-
Mine are really making great strides now the weather has improved. They started out looking very pathetic compared to the sets planted by a lot of my neighbours. I have noticed, however, that a lot of the sets have started to bolt, but so far, touch wood, none of mine have. The only gaps I have in the rows is where I have decapitated the odd one with the hoe. EVERY year I promise myself that I will allow more space between them, and EVERY year I fail utterly. The worst think is that I just know that I'm going to do it, but I carry on pushing the hoe regardless. I think the timing between my eyes and my brain needs adjusting.
-
Mine are still quite pathetic. I am putting it down to the weather.
-
Mine are mostly starting to look like mini-onions, I am so pleased with them. Thanks NewShoot for the encouragement.
Only one is jiggered and from the paw prints the allotment cat might have had a lie-down on them...
-
hi all
mine are starting to fill out and looking round the site at the sets planted by others it seems the sets are not doing very well. also my sets are hopeless. third row from right are the sets
-
My red onions from seed are looking great at the moment. Don't think they will ever be big but happy that I actually grew them from seed :)
-
I haven't posted for a while but wanted to show you the onions I dug up today that I grew from seed.
-
hi nows the time.
just harvested my red onions from seed, not a bad result. as a first time with seed i was mildly surprised at the results. some small and not a lot of large onions but mostly useable. pity I only planted two rows of reds and concentrated on sets. the red sets have all bolted and not a lot of use. so no sets next year and will save own seed and do this again.
dave
-
Here are my onions from seed on the allotment, and then at home out to dry.
I'm very happy with them and will defiantly do it again.
When do we start the seed off for the over wintered onions?
-
I've just picked my Figueres onions. Not a bad result. It's a pink-hued, slightly flattish variety and most are around 20 cm in diameter, some are quite a bit larger and a few are a bit smaller. Given that they've only been in the ground for three months, I'm quite pleased, though Mr Snoop said they weren't up to our usual standards. Normally Figueres will grow bigger and for a few weeks longer, but recent conditions have been awful (over 40 ΊC in the shade) for weeks and (confession time) I didn't water them one morning a couple of weeks back after a shower but the rainfall wasn't enough and they were really flagging by the end of the day.
Figueres is a favourite of mine for cooking. I used one last night... Delicious. Even Mr Snoop commented as I was chopping it up that it almost smelt of garlic.
-
Some nice crops :D Mine are still going strong so will be in the ground a while longer. They are huge compared to the picture I posted about a month ago. I'll get an updated one on here soon as I can.
When do we start the seed off for the over wintered onions?
Now that's the sort of enthusiasm we like to see :lol:
I've got some seed for overwintering ones this year as well. I was going to leave it until next month, but I've not tried these from seed before, so will await advice from a japanese onion guru :)
-
Grown Alisa Craig from seed and my plants look healthy with lots of green leaf but have no bulb at all. Look more like leeks. anybody know why this is? :(
-
Two of my red banana shallots were blown out of the ground by the winds the other night. When I looked they had no roots and the base was all mouldy. Grr! I thought I had got away with it this year.
-
My Rose de Roscoff onions were somehow just perched on the soil. I just went along the rows and simply lifted them off. Strange that they hadn't flopped over. Fortunately no white rot though. Very pleased as I have grown them specifically for 'french' onion soup !
-
Had problems with all my onions this year, one lot went to seed and the rest were chomped on by (maybe) mole crickets.
My seed sown did not too badly until they too got chomped which seems to stop them growing. Will try again next year and hope it's a bad year for the critters
-
Wednesday 22nd July
Just received 3 packets of seed from the Real seed catalogue....
"Paris Early White" an overwintering onion suitable for sowing on 18th August;
Sturion... "quite cold hardy so worth trying as an overwintering crop too";
Feast" a white stem spring onion for sowing in the Spring.
Very happy with the way my seed sown onions are looking on the plot, not huge yet but very healthy.[/list][/list]
-
Globo still growing away at home. Keys are there for scale. I haven't been watering these at all, although looking at the forecast today, they should get a good dousing :lol:
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m198/suec_02/IMG_1524_zpss2hbakdk.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/suec_02/media/IMG_1524_zpss2hbakdk.jpg.html)
-
They look lovely...but....don't you grow weeds? :lol:
-
They look lovely...but....don't you grow weeds? :lol:
Oh yes, but I weeded the raised bed before I took the picture, so you all thought I was super neat and tidy ;) :lol:
You note I didn't risk a picture of the ones on the plot :lol:
-
Ah, that's OK then. I might have missed a couple due to purslane a thicket.
-
Luv onions, grow from sets, seeds and Japanese types from seed thro winter put sum in poly tunnel last year they only did same as them outside, luv experimenting thrown a lot away but that's gardening. Have a nice wet day everyone
-
Luv onions, grow from sets, seeds and Japanese types from seed thro winter put sum in poly tunnel last year they only did same as them outside, luv experimenting thrown a lot away but that's gardening. Have a nice wet day everyone
What Japanese types do you grow from seed and when do you start them off?
-
Growing mamouth ones this year wow
-
Kelsae Onions sown on new years day and planted out on March 29
-
Here are my Kelsae - still got a fair bit of growing to do.
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/11055307_1130662866949662_1687988769009524102_o.jpg)
My shallots from seed (Zebrune)...still bulking up:
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/t31.0-8/11807312_1130662856949663_4582780228904677719_o.jpg)
-
Luv onions, grow from sets, seeds and Japanese types from seed thro winter put sum in poly tunnel last year they only did same as them outside, luv experimenting thrown a lot away but that's gardening. Have a nice wet day everyone
What Japanese types do you grow from seed and when do you start them off?
Sow Japanese onions mid August.
-
I have just harvested the Kelsaes. The largest weighs 0.8kg and there are three just a tad smaller. The other look pretty decent too, and I am well pleased. I shall take a photo and show you when I can :D :D
-
As I had such good results with growing onions from seeds this year I've sown my Japanese Senshyu onion seeds ready for over wintering and have read that Mid August is the time to start them off, but ideally when do you put them in the ground?
-
It's a numpty thing, but i am trying to figure out when to lift mine. About a third have fallen over and slugs are chomping away at their leaves. I had leaf miner on my shallots and am hoping damage on the onions will be minimal. :wacko:
-
As I had such good results with growing onions from seeds this year I've sown my Japanese Senshyu onion seeds ready for over wintering and have read that Mid August is the time to start them off, but ideally when do you put them in the ground?
according to this site
http://www.seedaholic.com/onion-senshyu-yellow.html
Seeds can also be sown into trays 12mm (½in) deep and transplanted outdoors to their growing position by mid October. The roots must fall vertically in the planting hole and the bulb base should be about ½ in (1cm) below the surface. Plant firmly.
Good Luck!
-
My shallots just seem to be going on and on...and on
This one came out because it had fallen over onto the celeriac
-
Just been on hols for 2 weeks and can't believe how much my onions have grown. They were quite small 2 weeks ago but they are really big now and will harvest them next visit. Definitely will be growing them next year.
-
It's a numpty thing, but i am trying to figure out when to lift mine. About a third have fallen over and slugs are chomping away at their leaves. I had leaf miner on my shallots and am hoping damage on the onions will be minimal. :wacko:
A couple of years ago mine were left in the ground rather late I thought and their leaves had gone about two-thirds yellow, but they stored far better than previous years. I'm sure I read some advice somewhere that said to leave them until they go like that. Most of mine have toppled over but their leaves are still green so I will leave them for the time being.
-
My banana shallots are just falling over without bending their necks. I've checked the roots in case it is root rot but they are still firmly attached to the ground. But they are very big, too big for a jam jar if I wanted to pickle them :nowink:
I've sown some onion seed direct as an experiment, some Paris Early White. They can be started in January if nothing happens to the direct sown ones.
-
It's a numpty thing, but i am trying to figure out when to lift mine. About a third have fallen over and slugs are chomping away at their leaves. I had leaf miner on my shallots and am hoping damage on the onions will be minimal. :wacko:
A couple of years ago mine were left in the ground rather late I thought and their leaves had gone about two-thirds yellow, but they stored far better than previous years. I'm sure I read some advice somewhere that said to leave them until they go like that. Most of mine have toppled over but their leaves are still green so I will leave them for the time being.
Thanks GG! :D Was in 2 minds whether to haul them up but I'll leave them now,
-
I will be doing mine from seed next year for the very first time. Have always used sets before and been bitterly disappointed. But, with new plot comes new possibilities
-
I will be doing mine from seed next year for the very first time. Have always used sets before and been bitterly disappointed. But, with new plot comes new possibilities
Come and join the onion club next year Rich :) I can't explain why it is so satisfying to turn a tiny little black seed into a glorious big brown onion, but it is :lol:
Was in 2 minds whether to haul them up but I'll leave them now,
Good decision. Stay your hand Surbie and wait a bit yet :)
Mine are just starting to look a bit tatty, with the leaves turning brown at the ends and starting to lean at the necks, but I swear the rain over the last few days has swelled them up. Another couple of weeks or so and I reckon they will be ready for lifting.
-
I am so keen on this now I have my seeds all ready for next year! :D
The Ailsa Craigs are mostly enormous. Bigger than anything I usually see in the shops. I can't tell you how proud I feel when I walk past them.
-
I can't tell you how proud I feel when I walk past them.
Just wait till you start cooking with them. :D
-
My shallots from seed have been a fantastic success...lovely big Zebrune shallots. The Kelsae have also done really well, they're enormous. The Ailsa Craig are ok, a reasonable size but nothing to get too excited about. The red onions are pants...very small and pathetic looking. They were all sown around the same time, had the same growing conditions and planted out at the same time. I think red onions just want to be awkward! :)
-
Come and join the onion club next year Rich :) I can't explain why it is so satisfying to turn a tiny little black seed into a glorious big brown onion, but it is :lol:
I will need lots of advice re planting out etc. I am an onion from seed virgin
-
I will need lots of advice re planting out etc. I am an onion from seed virgin
No problem ;) There were quite a few people in the same boat this year and any questions posted on here received lots of replies and advice :)
-
The onions seeds I sowed a couple of weeks ago are showing through...
-
My simiane banana shallots are still showing no signs of turning their tops over...
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4AqTgAORasA/VfIPj_6f6kI/AAAAAAAAYdM/rAGMVaTJYDc/w640-h480-no/IMG_2305.JPG)
Some have succumbed to root rot, though.
-
The onions seeds I sowed a couple of weeks ago are showing through...
What variety?
-
The onions seeds I sowed a couple of weeks ago are showing through...
What variety?
Paris early white overwintering onion from Realseeds
-
Mine are lifted and having dried for a while outside, are now in the shed. I would normally put them in the greenhouse, but I think its just too hot in there at the moment. The shed is dry, airy and warm, so it seems a better bet.
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m198/suec_02/Plot%20pictures/IMG_1598_zps5hkrug3u.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/suec_02/media/Plot%20pictures/IMG_1598_zps5hkrug3u.jpg.html)
The biggest ones I have are pretty good. I have about a dozen like this and then the rest get progessively smaller, but even the smallest ones are a decent size for cooking with :)
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m198/suec_02/Plot%20pictures/IMG_1599_zps08vzzofw.jpg) (http://s104.photobucket.com/user/suec_02/media/Plot%20pictures/IMG_1599_zps08vzzofw.jpg.html)
These are Globo and have been kept weeded, but not watered, since they were planted out. I'm sure they would have been bigger if I had watered, but onions and spuds are on my 'fend for yourself' list I'm afraid :lol:
It always amazes me how onion plants turn from tiny little wisps of seedlings into big fat onions :D
-
New shoot, those are beauties. Congratulations. Looks like they did a good job fending for themselves, so congratulations to them too!
-
Thank you Snoop :D Smug mode was fully engaged as I stashed them in the shed :lol:
-
I have onion envy! :)
Will be trying again and hoping for better conditions and less chompers next year.
-
Thank you Snoop :D Smug mode was fully engaged as I stashed them in the shed :lol:
It is such a lovely feeling isn't it? :D
I took up some of the Kelsae a bit too soon, and the necks have not dried off properly, so I shall be using them first. The heaviest was nearly 2kg, so maybe onion marmalade might be the way forward? :unsure:
The smaller ones are all fine and now in their wooden trays in the garage, and they should store well, I hope.
-
Mine are still in the ground but think will pull them up soon as don't think they will grow much more now :lol:
-
Mine are now all dry and hanging in the shed and I have lots of blades of grass that are Japanese Senshyu yellow inter onions ready to go in the ground on my next visit to the allotment.
Actually thinking about it as I have just harvested all my tomatoes due to blight could I plant some in the flower buckets that are now empty in the back garden?
What fertiliser would be best to use to freshen up the soil for them?
-
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9_-p-hKT9B0/ViFPW38Mx5I/AAAAAAAAYo8/bEW_72YZHps/w444-h593-no/WP_000917.jpg)
The winter onions grown from seed (Paris early white) have been transplanted into their final resting place. Only two rows so leaving lots of bed for the sets I bought in the market.
-
I'm growing Kelsae fom seed and will sow them New Years Day
-
You're all ready for next years thread, then ;)
-
very much looking forward to next year's growing. I'm even going to give LRF a go.
-
If we are all keen to have a go again next year, I'll start the 2016 thread before the end of the year, ready for itchy fingers reaching for seed packets in late December ;)
New Years Day is another popular sowing day, so I'm sure you won't be alone there Harry :)
-
I'm hooked now and will not go back to sets unless I have a failure so deffo up for a 2016 thread
-
I'm definately only growing from seed this year :unsure:
-
After losing so many onions when they bolted last year we are growing more from seed too. I just wish the critter taking chunks out of them would desist!
-
I am getting the hang of onions from seed. My overwintering ones (Paris White) are in situ and looking a lot better than last year's efforts. Like Cadalot, I am only going to revert to sets if the January sowings don't work out.
-
I have got sets in for overwintering. My seeds came to nothing for these. It is quite often the case on my plot with seeds of anything, but for a 50p seed sale pack, it was worth a go.
Generally, I find the seed grown ones are far less prone to bolting and grow bigger, better onions than sets. I use a lot of the overwintering ones as giant spring onions or green onions, so they get eaten before they bolt, but it is a real pain if your summer ones start to go, after taking up space at a time of year when you could be growing other things ::)
I also really enjoy having something to sow so early. It marks time in the year and gets you thinking about the new season :)
-
I finally got my Senshyu blades of grass in this weekend, and the amount of slugs I dispatched that were just travelling around the top of the onion bed whilst I was doing it was staggering. That's why I have six slug traps around the bed. Photo is before the netting to stop the birds pulling them out went over the hoops.
The way the slugs are decimating my cabbages I will be happy if 50% of my onions survive the first few weeks let alone all over the Winter.
Those smaller blades of grass that didn't make it into the bed, I'm thinking of planting into 3" pots and putting in the greenhouse to mature and grow on, what do you think is it worth it?
-
what have you got to lose ?
-
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JDLl62BQYLk/VkPOyarzh2I/AAAAAAAAYq0/uTWilKhse80/w545-h409-no/WP_000942%2B%25281%2529.jpg)
Onions so far... seed sown in the foreground, sets in the middle, garlic a no show as yet.
-
what have you got to lose ?
True - a couple have been eaten down to ground level already so backups in the greenhouse look like a good idea so I know what I will be doing this Sunday when I visit.
-
I finally got my greenhouse up on the plot. It's unheated but do have a couple of old paraffin heaters to go in there. Will it be warm enough for onion seeds to germinate/grow?
I don't have room at home
-
I finally got my greenhouse up on the plot. It's unheated but do have a couple of old paraffin heaters to go in there. Will it be warm enough for onion seeds to germinate/grow?
I don't have room at home
Not in December or January and I would think it will work out very expensive to heat the greenhouse for just a few onion seedlings, but it will give you a big head start in the spring. You can still grow some decent onions from a later sowing :)
-
Got my seed for my 2016 onions yesterday Alisa Craig, Bedford Champion and Red Baron, all set now for planting on 1st Jan. I also have nearly 200 over wintering sets in. I watched for the past couple of weeks and I reckon we use between 8 and 10 onions a week so I am estimating that between 400 and 500 onions will keep me going for most of the year.
-
If you keep yourself self sufficient in onions almost year round, that will be a great achievement :D
I know people say 'oh its cheap enough to buy them' and I do the same myself with main crop spuds as I don't have room to grow enough, but its surprising how much money you save, growing the old faithfuls :)
I totted up the amount I spent on garlic and chillies a few years back and it soon converted me into growing my own :)
-
You'd have to have a lot of room to grow enough to last a year ;)
(and not have white rot on your plot :( )
-
Hi Mum
I know what you mean, I love spring onions and we buy a couple of bunches a week and I have been growing them but they have been getting hit by white rot. I'm moving them every year and now that I'm hooked on growing from seed I'm hoping that I will be able to move production over to my new plot which is on another allotment and that it will not have the white rot problem.
The alternative I was considering was growing in flower buckets using a mixture of coco peat and compost.
-
You'd have to have a lot of room to grow enough to last a year ;)
(and not have white rot on your plot :( )
I have just taken on a second full plot so I have plenty of room and no white rot (touch wood).
I space them 10 cm apart which means that I get 48 per row in my 4.8 mtr long bed and I get 6 rows as the beds are 1.2 Mtrs wide. The balance are in the PT and will be harvested in time for the tomatoes going in.