[karooba007]

Is there still any point of planting onions from seed?

[penance]

Do you mean at this time of year, or because sets can be easier?

[karooba007]

not just at this time, any time. i am new to growing, and i don't understand why some people still used seeds. what are the reasons?

[Steve.P]

I do it simply for the cost. I grew Bedfordshire Champion from seed last year with no probs. Some use seed on our site, others use sets. But each to their own. I think its less hassle with sets, if you want to go down that route, just depends on what you want to spend on the outlay.

[penance]

Cost is one reason. Also a lot more varieties available from seed.

[AdsaM]

I'm new to Growing too but i'm going to try both.

Just to be safe and cos i like a challenge.

[poppies]

I used sets when I first started out but we use many onions it's much cheaper to use seed, last year I tried growing them in modules 4 seeds in each they were'nt massive but plenty big enough

you could try a some  of each to see how you get on

[Trillium]

My priority is the variety I can get from seeds versus the standard one variety of each type from the garden centres. Cost is also a factor as I buy the larger packets and it will last 2-3 years. If I lose a few seedlings I can always plant a few more, which though smaller in the end, still fill out an otherwise empty spot. I also don't have as much luck with sets, even if I buy sets that are just sprouting.

[fivespud364]

we seem to have a lot of call for both sets and seed raised ones and i agree i think the seed raised ones is because of the choice of varieties there are many many more varieties available as seed than sets

[karooba007]

don't all onions taste the same, more or less? so what does it matter what  variety you use.

[penance]

Nope, not all onions taste the same.

Shop bought ones may do as a lot of farmers will chose on size and reliability of the crop, not flavour.

[Steve.P]

don't all onions taste the same, more or less? so what does it matter what  variety you use.

To me they do basically taste the same, especially if used in cooking, and i tend to stick to one variety, although its nice for people to be able to try different types and find some that they prefer. There is no right or wrong way with seed or set its just a personal choice.

[alfman]

I grow onions from seed all the time now because I grow Kelsae, a spanish type show onion with bulbs often growing 2lb. in weight and more, and as far as I know you can't get them from sets. As the others have said there's far more different types available from seed. Sowing onions from seed has to be started early (I sowed mine yesterday) so it also gives you something to do in the garden before the season starts. Also if any fail, you've plenty of time to re-sow.

[vegmandan]

If you want to grow a big 'un you need to grow from seed,otherwise for general onions I'd just stick to sets.

Where did Marshalls Showmaster Sets go to ?

That used to be an idiot-proof way of growing a big onion.

[Trillium]

don't all onions taste the same, more or less? so what does it matter what  variety you use.

As already mentioned, no, all onions don't taste the same, nor do they work for the same purpose. Red onions and shallots are best for fresh eating with their milder taste, and if necessary, only a quick saute or they fall apart too quickly as well as burn quickly due to their higher sugar contents.
White onions are also better for fresh eating, a touch stronger than reds and shallots, but you can cook with them though why waste a perfectly good eating onion?
Spanish types are stronger tasting still and keep a bit longer. Its good for both fresh eating and cooking.
Storage type onions are best cooked as they're rather powerful for fresh eating. Other onion varieties can vary on spicyness and heat.