over-wintering onions

[Sarah-b]

Last autumn, I planted overwintering onion sets. They are now looking really great. I am very pleased with them, so much so that i am now wondering why I don't just grow more of them and forget the spring sown sets. what would be the disadvantages? Prehaps overwintered onions taste horrid and don't keep very well?

puzzled...
Sarah.

[Sarah-b]

[terrace max]

They certainly don't keep as well (weeks rather than months) and are more prone to onion white rot (see thead in Pests and Diseases).

Lots of both - along with leeks, shallots and salad onions - is probably best for onion fanatics like me...

[terrace max]

Oh, by the way, they taste great...

[Derekthefox]

I agree with terrace max, a variety is the best way to go. My over wintering onions are fabulous this year, but every year is different, so planting a variety hedges your bets, so to speak.

[Mothy]

Definitely going to try japanese onions this year.......how early can you realistically pull them?

[Mrs Ava]

Now Mothy!  ;D  Depends what you want them for.  If you want a couple of salad onions, then about a month ago, but if you want proper hunons for cooking, then mine are an okay size now. ;D