[mum of 3]

just come back from plot where  we pulled up our japanese onions got them all lined up now on path drying out.i say we ppulled them out but they were more or less up already having pushed themselves out .electric reds are almost done as well so going to get my thinking cap on for recipes

[jennyb]

how do you know when the japanese are ready?

[DD.]

Like other onions the stems will flop over of their own accord.

HOWEVER - as they will not store long, I use the principle that if they are big enough to use - they're ready! I'd sooner pull up a half size fresh Japanese onion than buy one from Tesco.

[jennyb]

so just pull it up when it looks big enough then?

[DD.]

so just pull it up when it looks big enough then?

Only if you want to use it straight away, otherwise let the stem flop over, lift and dry, but still use fairly quickly.

[jennyb]

i was thinking of usuing straight away.  how long will they keep in the ground for?  if i just keep pulling as i need?

[mum of 3]

i only grew about 20 japanese and although stems are still upright and healthy id sooner start using them now so i dont get any waste.i have about 50 electric red ones though so may pickle some with cucumber and mint

[DD.]

i was thinking of usuing straight away.  how long will they keep in the ground for?  if i just keep pulling as i need?

Pull as needed if big enough. Once they keel over, they need lifting to dry out. Don't keep them in the ground, if not dried out they will rot, especially if we get some rain.