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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: caroline7758 on January 31, 2011, 12:01:51

Title: Onion sets
Post by: caroline7758 on January 31, 2011, 12:01:51
I received my Sturon onion sets from T&M with a note saying that "due to variable weather conditions they do not have the usual crispy rustle and perfect skin of sets produced in a good growing season". Sounds like a cop-out to me.
Anyway, I'm thinking of starting them off in modules- I've never done this before so wanted to check, what size modules and what compost- is multi-purpose ok?
Title: Re: Onion sets
Post by: Unwashed on January 31, 2011, 12:15:24
I went to the potato day yesterday Caroline and I didn't by my usual Sturon because their condition looked so bad.  I bought Stuttgart Giant instead which I haven't grown before so I hope I'm not disappointed.
Title: Re: Onion sets
Post by: Dandytown on January 31, 2011, 12:18:20
I am growing from seed (ailse craig) this year since many of last years went to seed.
Title: Re: Onion sets
Post by: saddad on January 31, 2011, 12:29:52
I stick them in multi Caroline and have one of those 84 trays that plug plants come in... you are only getting them to sprout and develop some roots before sticking them in the ground...  :)
Title: Re: Onion sets
Post by: caroline7758 on January 31, 2011, 14:52:19
When do you start them off, David?
Title: Re: Onion sets
Post by: saddad on January 31, 2011, 15:43:37
As soon as I buy them.... in a cold greenhouse they will still start to sprout roots...  :)
Title: Re: Onion sets
Post by: chriscross1966 on January 31, 2011, 16:08:36
Would this also hold for shallots? I'm diong a comparison this year between a set grown and two types of seed-grown.... (and potato onions too thinking about it)

chrisc
Title: Re: Onion sets
Post by: saddad on January 31, 2011, 16:11:39
Definitely for shallots... haven't done potato onions so wouldn't like to say..  :)
Title: Re: Onion sets
Post by: cornykev on January 31, 2011, 16:16:23
Did you get a discount Caroline, it sounds very much like a cop out to me.     ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: Onion sets
Post by: chriscross1966 on January 31, 2011, 17:55:29
Quote from: saddad on January 31, 2011, 16:11:39
Definitely for shallots... haven't done potato onions so wouldn't like to say..  :)

They've been in the ground all winter but I did find a few more this morning.....

chrisc
Title: Re: Onion sets
Post by: bluecar on February 01, 2011, 08:46:37
Hello Saddad.

Roughly what size are the plug plant modules?

Regards

Bluecar
Title: Re: Onion sets
Post by: saddad on February 01, 2011, 09:41:25
About an inch across...  :)
Title: Re: Onion sets
Post by: shifty581 on February 01, 2011, 12:57:17
I put my onion sets in yester day, in trays 20 to a tray, just leave the tops showing.
Then I cover them with a plastic top.
Then I leave them in my cold green house. Plant them out in March. Always have a good crop.
Title: Re: Onion sets
Post by: bluecar on February 01, 2011, 15:25:14
Thanks Saddad
Title: Re: Onion sets
Post by: saddad on February 01, 2011, 16:07:08
Basically as long as the set fits... it's big enough. You need larger ones for shallots!  :)
Title: Re: Onion sets
Post by: rugbypost on February 01, 2011, 17:04:16
What are potato onions like they sound nice, and  where can i get them please saddad
Title: Re: Onion sets
Post by: chriscross1966 on February 01, 2011, 17:12:46
Quote from: rugbypost on February 01, 2011, 17:04:16
What are potato onions like they sound nice, and  where can i get them please saddad

They're another one of the rather more obscure multiplier onions (I'm a bit of a geek for them, I grow a lot of varieties of tree onions too) They're a bit like a rather more subterranean shallot, bulbs a bit looser too.... Seed swaps is one of your better chances, several people on here besides me grow them (I know cos they got their starters from me :-).... I'll be able to let some go at the end of the year after harvest if you don't find any before then..... real serious specialist heirloom seed folks might have them if you can't wait....

chrisc
Title: Re: Onion sets
Post by: Mr Smith on February 01, 2011, 17:52:06
I went to the nursery I deal with and their Red onions did not look to good at the same time looking in Wilkos their onions had the same look about them, so on Saturday I called in at the nursery again and this time they looked better quality, so T&M could be right, :)