Allotments 4 All

Ok I am planning ahead to 2007  ::)

I would like to know what you all think about which is the best. Growing onions from onion sets or growing them from seed.
The reason why I am asking is I am interested in growing the large variety of onion. The Alisa Craig onion or Kealse would be my choice.

I know that seed onons need a more fertile soil and it is also cheaper from seed.

The_Snail

I've never had lots of success with seeds so i use sets. I get normally get white rot, and i reckon the ones grown for seed always get it much worse and sooner than the ones grown from sets..

You can buy a bag of sets for a paand at our local nursery - about 40 - 50 sets in a bag.

This year i grew Sturon and Stuttgart Giant, i have heard about a new white rot resistant one called Great Bear - but hav'nt found it anywhere yet..

i do both put my sets in early and then buy some seed and use that for later onions. works for me a treat.

Usually use mostly sets here too, but did have a little crop this year from seed, Bedfordshire Champion. I sowed them about end April, and they were ready later than the sets, about mid September. Going to try more from seed next year and sow more thickly too.

Hi Snail, I'm trying loads from seed this year, both in modules (multi sown) and will sow direct in Spring.

Quote from: ruffmeister on October 06, 2006, 15:03:45
i do both put my sets in early and then buy some seed and use that for later onions. works for me a treat.

I've done it the other way around this Autumn - any gaps in the rows (grrr@birdies) I shove a set in!

My plan for next year 2007 is to put them in pots on my windowsil close to or on Boxing Day ( With raised a good laught from my farther!) then devide in early febuary feed up then plant out in late march early april.

But! Is seed best or is it sets for big summer onions?

The_Snail

I was pleased with my sets that went in earlier this year, but have planted them now so will compare as to size etc.

may try some from seed later, but i'm not great with keeping things alive after they've germinated.

;D

Please may I say I am concentraiting on Summer onions! The Jap varaity have way gone and its only set for those fellers!

The_Snail

lol@snail's dad, the word on the plot is sow seed on boxing day too - staggered rows? ;D
as per previous post, showbench hogs sow seed - some very good instructions at the Medwyn's Prize Vegetables website http://www.medwynsofanglesey.co.uk/ :)
the word on the plot is also that a higher percentage of sets bolt than onions sown from seed, depending on weather

I better get my order in for a mid December order of kelsae 100 seed for £2.10 a bit price

But hey its a bit of fun and never done this before. I would rather grow big onions than big pumpkins as I can make a mean onion stew!

Hi Growmore hope your onion season has been better than mine. Mine are rottong off in store already. Never had that before!

Its upto the winters now when I can get them in.

Bring on 2007

I am waiting for you!

The_Snail

Sets for me, I've had a really good success rate with sets for the last two years, but my attempts with seeds have been disastrous. 

If you want to grow Kelsea to a good size you need to sow in a greenhouse at Christmas.Prick out the seedlings before they straighten up so as not to damage too many roots.Once they are growing well, pot into separate pots and pot on as needed. You should end up with good plants in 5 inch pots ready for planting out in March.Plant them in rows with the foliage along the row so that you can hoe between.  The soil should be in good condition, we have generally ended up with onions in the 2 to 2 1/2 pound range.Kelsea is a mild flavour and should keep well. We select good shaped onions to save seed from and build up your own strain

Quote from: the_snail on October 06, 2006, 14:15:52
Ok I am planning ahead to 2007  ::)

I would like to know what you all think about which is the best. Growing onions from onion sets or growing them from seed.
The reason why I am asking is I am interested in growing the large variety of onion. The Alisa Craig onion or Kealse would be my choice.

I know that seed onons need a more fertile soil and it is also cheaper from seed.

The_Snail

Alisa Craig onion

350 sees at www.alanromans.com for 50p

Hi snail, Hi all,

Sets every time  :D

I get good onions every year. The old boys come down to watch them grow.

I also started growing shallots and have made loads of pickles. Regular onions store well and I have more than I can eat.

I buy sets from my local bargain shop (QD if you have it) for 99p for seventy five or less if buy them later. Whatever variety they have. I paid 10p for one bag that looked a bit old and still got a good crop after I popped them in around carrots.

Two weeks ago I bought two bags and planted them the next day under debris netting as I get problems with the birds uprooting them. They all seem to be growing fine and in a couple of weeks I will take the netting off. Some are already too tall for it.

Best of luck, Col

Mixed opinions.

For large onions I think the seed root would be more favourable. I heve never grown onions from seed so it would be an interesting challenge.

For my main crop of onions I will do the trusty sets.

Thanks for all the information everyone  :)

The_Snail

 :o corkers! ;D

Oh Jim, I am sooooooooooooooooooo green eyed now!  Stunning hunions!