Topic: Autumn Planted onions

[Humbug carrot]

Any suggestions for varieties of Autumn planted onions? I've not grown them for several years as my soil is quite heavy,and results have not been good in the past.
I thought I might put a handful of sharp sand under each one to help with the drainage, and hope for the best.

[Jayb]

Hi Humbug,  I haven't tried sharp sand but would think it would help. I have found making a kind of raised bed, no sides or anything, just soil heaped up and levelled off helps. Ground is fairly heavy here and with lots of rain, they need a bit of help or end up a sodden mess. In the past I’ve grown Autumn Champion, Radar, Senshyu Yellow, and a red one Electric, which tends to bolt a bit more than the others. I've gone for Radar and Senshyu Yellow this year. Pretty sure I've grown Troy before too, just can't remember how they did. It's lovely to have onions ready to harvest early, but I find come spring some will bolt. I just use those ones first.

[gavinjconway]

You dont have much choice on winter onions. Basically they are called Japanese Winter onions and generally available as sets. Seed is available but getting a bit late to start the seed off now..

[Humbug carrot]

Thanks for the info. I think I will try Radar this year as it is easily available, and I will try the raised bed method Jayb suggests.
I will probably use sharp sand under the garlic , after yet another disappointing year with no garlic to speak of .

[Jeannine]

Walla Walla are my favourite for fall and you can get the seeds there, such a lovely sweet flavour XX Jeannine