Topic: Who "Knows his Onions"?

[Grumpy Git]

Can anyone suggest a good pickling onion?  Also I presume these are grown from seeds.

[Multiveg]

Pickled onions, yum, but I haven't got any - can I go and buy some seeds? Grabs catalogues - ooo paris silverskin (Organic G. C. says well-flavoured), oooo a purplette (Tuckers say that is a delightful purple-red skinned mini onion)
Both can be used for non-pickling purposes.

[Grumpy Git]

As I haven't grown from seed before am I too late ?

[Multiveg]

Plenty of time methinks - I would treat them like spring onions.

[aquilegia]

Don't worry Grumpy Git (oh what fun to be able to call someone that!) I'm planning on planting mine in March/April.

[Grumpy Git]

Do you pot the seeds or plant then straight into the lottie?  I don't have a greenhouse so I'm limited to a windowsill in the garage, which does get a fair bit of light but isn't heated.

[aquilegia]

GG - I've never done them before, but the packet says sow direct. I'm going to try both as an experiment.

[tim]

Grow shallots - much nicer!

[Grumpy Git]

I am and they're in, but I do like a good onion.

[tim]

Know what you mean. But shallots? Richer, crisper ...? And too big??

[Multiveg]

Can remember homegrown salad meals but with bought in pickled silverskins so although I wasn't planning to grow some, have changed my mind for this year - now where can I put them!!!???

[Lady Cosmos]

Pickling onions like Barletta or Paris silver skin: sow in sandy soil in April, that is early enough. Harvest in July/August.

[gavin]

"Brown Pickling Onion"  - used to be able to get this every year in Leeds market, but the shop has closed down, so I don't know the company.  :(

I'm guessing here - would any late-sown onion seed (april?) only give you pickling size onions?

All best - Gavin

[Lady Cosmos]

"Give any late-sown onion seed pickling size onions?

Not with me, any way. Did sow onion seed at 27 april and 10 may.
Experiment: first lot was big and second lot smaller, but still far too big for pickling onions. May be a warm, dry summer makes a difference as well, I guess.
(Had a big crop of those late sowing ones too)

[djbrenton]

At around 70p/lb I'm wondering if onion sets would make good pickled onions? I've similarly realised that Pink Fir Apple seed potatoes are waaay cheaper to buy than in supermarkets. I'm tempted to buy some for eating now.