Small Onions sown Autumn

[Marb67]

The onions I sowed last Autumn (can't remember variety but they were def Autumn sow variety) for an early crop have turned out very disappointing. I fed with BFB when planted and also early spring. Full sun most of the day but so small . Btw - still gettintg the error "please upload at least one photo" when actually uploaded.

[JoaoLeaftide]

Autumn-sown onions can be a bit hit and miss for size, a lot depends on how early they got established before the cold set in. If they went in late or had a slow start they sometimes just never bulk up properly. The BFB should have helped but if the bulbs are already small by now they probably won't do much more. Worth noting the variety for next year and maybe trying a different one, some autumn types are much more reliable than others.

[Penellype]

A little known fact about onions is that there are long day varieties and short day varieties. The correct variety to sow depends on where you live and when you sow them and it is all to do with day length. If the seeds were sown as an autumn variety they should be short day ones, as long day ones need more hours of daylight before they will form decent sized bulbs.

More information in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVJdj8IHVLg although as he is American he doesn't cover many of the varieties available in the UK.

[Marb67]

Thanks, I'll just have to use them as large spring onions then unless I wait another month. BTW - I haven't planted out my main crop onions yet as they are still rooting in their modules. Have I left it too late ?