Red Baron, no bolting and large bulbs please!

[jonny211]

Hiya all,

I've got my Red Baron sets and have been advised to start them in the ground asap, I'm thinking of doing this next week under fleece. Last year I planted in march and had a mix of bolters and tiny bulbs so got nothing off the whole lot, so am hoping to get a head start this year.

The ground was manured last year for spuds so I was just going to apply blood, fish & bone at planting time.

Is anyone else starting theirs off yet or have any tips?

Cheers.

Jon

[jonny211]

[manicscousers]

I'm sure there was a thread on here not long ago, I think they said it was better to plant later for reds so they didn't bolt  :)

[Deb P]

Red Baron's are well known for bolting early if they do not get optimal growing conditions. I put my red onions in either in October, to get established before winter hits, or in March when hopefully the ground has warmed up a bit!

I don't have any experience in growing onions under fleece, I guess you could try covering the ground with polythene to warm it first for a couple of weeks and then plant and fleece. They should enjoy the manure from last years potatoes, I also use chicken manure pellets in Spring to give them a boost. Or you could plant under cover, in a cold frame or polytunnel. Personally, I'm waiting until March to put my next batch in! ;)

[tonybloke]

Delay planting red baron 'til after the equinox!!( see my image in other post "stringed onions") these are keeping well, out of 100 sets, only had 2 bolt last year! ;)

[Barnowl]

Last year I put in my Red Baron sets in April,. None bolted.

[cornykev]

As all ready said Jonny its too early for onions, my yellows go in mid March and reds in early April, its worth trying out a few under fleece and others later so you can compare at the end of the growing season.  ;D ;D ;D