[Beetybops]

This is the first time I've tried to grow onions from seed, usually stick to sets, but as I got a packet cheap thought I would give it a bash.  I sowed them about 2 or 3 weeks ago and they germinated fine.  I have them on the sunniest window cill in the house, but they seem to have gone all long and spindly like 5 or 6" long grass! Are they supposed to be like this or is it because they are too warm in the window?  Should I ditch them and have another go and maybe put the tray in the greenhouse where it's cooler? Or will they rally and come good in the end?  

Any advice gratefully received!

[muntjac]

prick them out into pots , 2 inch ones will be fine , then when they are ready you can put them straight in the ground . you can also  put them in the greenhouse then . put a fleece over them somehow to prevent a frost settling on them they should be fine then till ur sun comes back  

[skywalker]

I too could do with advice here. My onion seeds are on the windowsill in modules and are around 1" high. They are bending towards the outdoor light and are thin and look quite fragile. Iwas watering with a fine spay daily. Is this too often and will overwatering cause them to grow too tall and thin? Sorry but complete novice and 1st timer.

[muntjac]

every other day is fine .turn them around and make a screen from baco foil to put in behind them on the window sil .take a piece of card 18x 18 . corflake packages will do . cover with baco foil .bend and put a third under the edge of the tray n porp up the owhr 2/3rds to reflect light coming in the window

[Trillium]

Hi Beetybops; once my onion tops start getting floppy, they get a haircut, not too short, and that revigorates them consierably.  By the time they're ready for planting outside, new leaves are out and thriving. But watch the watering - do it only when they seem slightly dry. It's a tricky balance. :veryhappy:

[skywalker]

Thanks for the great tip muntjac! Dumb question but I take it that the screen goes on the oppsite side of the tray from the window? Or does it shield the tray from the direct sunlight? :oops:  :oops:

[muntjac]

your eflecting light into the back of the tray so put it on the nearest side to you , its does not shield the light but reflect it

[clive f]

sorry about the spellin muntjac :oops: like ur sense of humour sorry to here about shite regards frosty

[Eristic]

Consider putting them outside during the day when there are no frosts. Bring them in overnight. It is work but worth it as they are tough by nature and will not require the valuable window space during the nighttime. They may appear to grow slower, but it will make them stronger and they will then get away faster when planted out permenantly.

[skywalker]

Understood will give it a try.
Thanks!

[muntjac]

or stick em outside on warmer days as eristic says fellas.. in cold conditions it is the wind chill that causes death more than the actual cold

[Annie]

So I could bung them in a coldframe and bring them in somewhere not too warm at night?

[muntjac]

yes you could , if the suns out n the temps above about 5 c