Growing onions from seed

[zazen999]

Mine arent in modules they are in a half size seed tray. Deffo will be doing the next batch in modules though...sounds so much easier.

They don't have to be in modules to not prick out - you can leave a half sized seed tray to carry on growing and just pull the seedlings apart when you are ready to plant out. There really is no need to add an extra fiddly stage with onions.

[Shadylane]

Mine arent in modules they are in a half size seed tray. Deffo will be doing the next batch in modules though...sounds so much easier.

It is. The roots all knit together and when they're ready you just lift them out and plonk em in the ground. Then they push each other apart as they grow.

[Piggle]

See, I don't prick out - I just let them grow until they go outside in March/Aoril

Mine arent in modules they are in a half size seed tray. Deffo will be doing the next batch in modules though...sounds so much easier.

[horticultural_hobbit]

Going to try VVG's sturon at the weekend. In the Wendy house, if it is still there.

[chris]

That's what I did with some sown last August. I'll do it again shortly too

[VirginVegGrower]

Yep, that's my method this year, just leaving out the feed.

[Tripmeup]

My plan is to sow 4 or 5 seeds spaced out per module and then leave them to germinate and grow on..Then when big enough, I am going to plant out in their clumps (adding some fish bonemeal) without seperating them out and leave them alone to their own devices..sound ok?

[Shadylane]

I don't either, but then I nicked that idea of here, probably Zazen. I do like how they look growing in clusters. One of the veterans asked if they were some kind of shallot. They think my ways are strange.

[zazen999]

I started my onion before christmas a couple of days before Christmas andthey are at the needingto be pricked out stage.

I'm following the bio dynamic calender this year so they were planted on a root day and will be pricked out on the next one.

See, I don't prick out - I just let them grow until they go outside in March/Aoril

[daylily]

Just as well, since they are a bulb.

[Piggle]

I started my onion before christmas a couple of days before Christmas andthey are at the needingto be pricked out stage.

I'm following the bio dynamic calender this year so they were planted on a root day and will be pricked out on the next one.

[Poolcue]

I will have to start my Bedfordshire Champions soon

[bazzaboy]

I think the confused advice you've seen, TrixC is because onions are a major item on the show bench and the approach for those (various categories under 250 gm, over 250 gm, largest/heaviest etc) demands different techniques (partly depending on the dates of the shows). For showing early start dates and use of heat and even more important early in the season artificial light to ensure maximum growth ensures a good start. For standard table use you can safely ignore most of that and start later and leave to large part to the tender care of the Spring and Summer weather.

One story I've been told about onions and always repeat (not sure it's true but I like it!) is that onions are particular light sensitive and while daylight is increasing (i.e. from 21 December in N hemisphere) will maximise leaf growth and once they sense light is shortening (from 21 June) they bulk up food storage (i.e. the onion bulb) and so the more leaf they have developed earlier then the more successful the storage and the larger/heavier the onion! Makes sense!

[zazen999]

Just pop them under a cloche they will be fine, in the modules until mid March when they can go straight in the soil. I used to pop an upturned clear storage container over them for the duration, with a brick on the top to stop it blowing away.

[daylily]

Mine usually do. They are rather slow growing fellows and do not need much warmth even to germinate.

Next to a warm house wall will do for them.