[beth123]

This year I've decided to have a go at growing my own veg.  I've planted some red onion sets but they don't seam to be growing.  The onions are in full sun but I've not watered them much, I was going on the advice on the back of the packet, now I think they've bolted.  Whats the best thing to do? 

[flitwickone]

Hi beth welcome to the forums good luck on the growing  

as for your onions give  them time if some have bolted then keep the seeds

[DD.]

Despite what it says on the packet, they could do with some water in this weather.

You say you think they have bolted - have they developed flower stems?

I would not save seed from bolted plants as this trait may be passed on.

[beth123]

Hi, thanks for the advice.  Each onion has one or two stems growing out of it, they are a couple of inches in hight but they don't look like there flowering.  I really am new to growing veg so to be honest I'm not 100% sure of what to look for.   

[DD.]

Don't worry, they've not bolted then, just a bit slow!

As I said, despite what it says, I'd give them a good watering. Onions are shallow rooted and they'll be struggling to find moisture near the surface.

[beth123]

Oh that's good to know, thanks for the advice.

[Goosegirl]

You'll know if your onions have bolted as one of the "leaves" are a bit thicker and has what looks like a bulb-shape coming out of the top. Nip this off. Red onions seem to be prone to this. Water well once a week rather than sprinkling a bit on daily.