Onion flower heads

[caroline7758]

Think there was a similar thread recently but can't find it, sorry.
A lot of my autumn-planted onions, while still fairly small, had tall flower stems with buds on when I went down today. I have broken the stems off. Was this the right thing to do?

[caroline7758]

[Rosyred]

Glad you asked as mine are going to seed too.

[Larkspur]

Hi, yes break them off as low down as possible. Either use them now or let them grow on but they won't store for very long.

[saddad]

Try to catch them as soon as visible...
;)

[caroline7758]

I'll remember that for next year, saddad!

[Rohaise]

And the same with garlic?  Rohaise   ::)

[MrsKP]

ditto with my onions and the occasional garlic.  my early morning tour of the plot now includes, opening the g/hs, slug despatching and close inspection for flower heads.

It feels as if i've done a full days work before i even get to work.

;D

[real food]

Definitely for Onions and Shallots. However, it is not essential to remove the flower heads for Garlic, as it does not effect their keeping quality, as the flower spike does not grow from the individual cloves, but between them.
I usually remove the flower spike, to concentrate the plant's energy into swelling the cloves.

[Rohaise]

Thanks !   :D     Rohaise

[Robert_Brenchley]

One good reason for removing garlic flowers is that the bulbs are bigger if you do. 20% bigger or more according to the Garlic Farm.

[asbean]

I've heard that autumn planted onions don't keep well - haven't tried, as ours dont' last that long