Hi everyone again
I got my first ever onion sets about a week ago and after watching some youtube clips on what to do with them I opted to stick them in some compost in a seed tray to give them a head start. I have put them in the conservatory as it is still cold in there at this time of year. I gave them a little water as the compost was very dry. My plan was to leave them for 2 or 3 weeks and then plant them out
They have been there now for around 1 week and I have noticed a bit of white mould on the surface. I think this is growing from the compost rather that the onion sets but have no experience and wonder if there is anything I should do as I don't want them to rot or die.
Any thoughts?
Is it on the onion or on the compost surface?
It doesn't sound like onion white rot as that starts at the the root vase.
I wouldn't worry too much but no harm in scraping it off if you can.
You say your conservatory is cold at this time of year, I too have a conservatory, no heating at the moment, but I have noticed that on a sunny day at this time of year the temp. can really rise, could the fluctuation be the cause of the mould. I would put them outside under fleece and extra covering if frost is forecast. Good luck with your Onions for the coming season.
Mine are already going straight in the ground! usually they are very hardy but depends where you are...
IT would have to be unusually savage for an onion set not to be perfectly safe if planted now....
chrisc
I don't think it is mould, I think it is mineral salts being leached upwards and onto the soil surface. ??? Cheers, Tony.
Thanks for your help. I think it is coming from the compost so I'm not too worried. The general thought seems to be that I could have them outside already. I will pop them in next weekend, whats the worst that could happen?
Thanks all once again, more questions to follow!
J
Had mine in the heated propagator in 3ins pots for last 3wks. Now 4ins shoots so hardening off gradually. Had the same white mould around some bulbs, which I removed, with no detriment to the bulbs.
Are you watering from the bottom? If so, it could be that water is moving up, bringing mineral salts with it, then drying out. The result is a salty layer on top. The answer is to water from above. Alternatively, if it is mould, you're probably keeping everything too wet.