Grow your own onion sets

**SarzWix** · 28-07-2009, 08:32 PM

Ooh, interesting experiment! I'll be interested to see how you get on with them

**rana** · 29-07-2009, 05:22 AM

I was under the impression commercially produced sets are heat treated - so how does that work (and what does it do)?

**oldie** · 29-07-2009, 06:45 AM

Not all commercially produced sets are heat treated. They tend to do it with types that are prone to bolting - Red Baron is one. The info will be given by the supplier, and they are usually sent out much later than non-treated types with instructions as to when to plant.

**zazen999** · 29-07-2009, 06:48 AM

Seeing as I have shed loads of onion seeds of many varieties left, I might just join you...

**bazzaboy** · 29-07-2009, 10:17 AM

Thanks D, I'd like to try this as bought sets seem to bolt (and this year Marshall's never arrived at all which I guess is bolting of a different sort...) - but I don't quite understand the instructions: "about 2 months after planting, roll down the tops, forcing the plants to form small bulbs".

What does "roll down the tops" mean? each blade separately? cripes, bit labour intensive isn't it lol, and how d'you keep 'em rolled up? Or does the instruction just mean flatten them? I might reconsider this... as always Tesco beckons!

Seriously, won't they form small bulbs anyway (like Spring Onions) and if you then dry them...? Would that work? b.

**annacruachan** · 29-07-2009, 10:17 AM

I want to try overwintering onions this year. I have some new senshyu seed which I will start off in my unheated greenhouse, sowing them next month since I am a good way north.
When would I plant them out in containers, and are there any tips which I need to know for ensuring - as far as possible - a good crop?
Thanks in advance for what I know will be the best advice.

**Duronal** · 29-07-2009, 05:10 PM

I guess that the rolling breaks the stems thus preventing much further growth. I've always found that once an onion is blown over it rarely contiues to grow with the same vigour.

It's just a guess but it's as good as i can get i'm afraid.

**King Carrot** · 05-08-2009, 01:36 PM

Sowing some Ailsa Craig and Befordshire Champion for sets this afternoon, anyone else trying this?

**SlugLobber** · 06-08-2009, 08:09 AM

I've kept one onion in the ground to collect the seeds, so may join you in this experiment!

**zazen999** · 06-08-2009, 08:32 AM

Sowed 2 trays of random onion seed yesterday for this experiment.

**Ooh thats how you do it** · 06-08-2009, 09:10 AM

I have sowed from seed this year with some Bedfordshire Champion and another variety which was in the bottom of the box. Started at the start of the year and basically forgot in the conservatory until May, so they have not been loved.

I am very happy with the results, because they are equal if not better than some of the sets I planted out earlier.

**fireblade** · 21-08-2009, 01:09 PM

Originally posted by oldie View Post

Not all commercially produced sets are heat treated. They tend to do it with types that are prone to bolting - Red Baron is one. The info will be given by the supplier, and they are usually sent out much later than non-treated types with instructions as to when to plant.

i grew 'red baron' from seed... put sprinkled them over a seed tray in march, left them on a sunny window sill until after first frosts, then transplanted seedlings into raised bed... about a fifth of the seeds didn't sprout, and of the ones i transplanted, most went on to grow quite well. have now got red onions about 5cm across, which i'm pretty well pleased with...

and i didn't do anything to them once i got them in the ground outside, apart from watering them when it was really dry, and putting them back when the neighbours cats dug them up

definitely didn't fiddle with them in any way - what's all this about rolling them?!?!? also, i planted 'sturon' onions from sets and they have all grown fine, didn't bend them over or anything like the book said.... put them in and let them get on with it!!!

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