Topic: Onion sets for Winter

[albion]

This may be a daft question but here goes
Can you plant any variety of set to over winter to get earlier onions next year or  do they have to be certain types?
I can not find a local suppier of specific winter planting types and the "big boys" charge ridiculous postage costs.
Poundstrecher have some sets but I do not know what they are.
I am in South Cheshire if anyone knows a supplier
Thanks in anticipation

[Ellen K]

There are no daft Qs, we all start from the same place.

You need an over winter variety.

Like Radar, Senshyu (Japanese) or Electric (a red onion).

Last year, Wilkos sold mixed sets in bags which weren't too dear.

Or a Garden Centre like Wyevale will sell them in packets - Taylors is the brand.

Or an independant GC may sell them loose and that's the cheapest.

Also - Jermor shallots are worth a go but they aren't cheap where ever you buy.

[pigeonseed]

Oh DenbyVisitor beat me to it! In fact all the types I was going to mention are on your post!

Senshyu yellow is the famous one - it's commonly sold as sets in garden centres and DIY stores.
B&Q and places like that always have a red one too - I think it's 'Electric'

Sometimes people also overwinter other types, but that might be down to how mild your winters are. Plus if you want sets, the choice will be limited to the reliable ones mentioned.

I agree, Jermor shallots are expensive but delicious and look beautiful.

I think there will be some autumn-planting sets in shops soon, keep an eye out?  :)
 

[albion]

Thank you both, perhaps I am too early and too eager.

[gavinjconway]

I normally use Radar... I've been looking for sets today in my local B&Q and garden centre... still not on the shelves.. give it a few more weeks and they should be in stock..  :(

[grannyjanny]

Gavin don't forget Poundland in Macclesfield ;D.

[Aden Roller]

Am I right in thinking that Autumn planted onions do not store quite so well as those grown later in the spring?

I've tended to lift these much earlier and use them as a fill in before the Spring planted ones mature.

I've tried both Autumn and Spring planted onions from sets with mixed results dependant upon the weather.

[cornykev]

I bought and planted Sturon in the second week of October last year, so I would say its a tad early.   ???      :D
Just had a look at 2009, planted 3rd weekend in September.    8)

[albion]

Went into Wilcos today amazingly they had sets in, red, white and mixed, so panic over. Incidently Cornykev how did the Sturon crop?

[gavinjconway]

Hi Janet - yes I get from them also... am going in tomorrow to check..

[PeterVV]

Bit early yet, I planted mine in October last year ( Electric) and they were over a pound in weight each, I would wait until the end of September/begining of October if I were you...

[gavinjconway]

I agree it is too early... just time to start looking..

[tim]

For the lazy - http://www.organicplants.co.uk/acatalog/Onions.html

[grawrc]

You can start the overwintering onions off from seed now, although it's getting a bit late. I would also support Tim's recommendation. A very good firm.

[BoardStupid]

Grew loads of Senshu last/this year. They did bolt quite quickly in the dry spell we had but seem to have stored reasonably well.