Autumn Onion Sets Quandary

[Bigmallly]

Hi, I would normally plant Autumn onion sets directly into the ground but this year decided to try something different (for me)......I have planted them in seed trays under protection. My quandary is that they are now approx 12" tall & am considering planting them out..........Am I doing the right thing or should I leave them in the trays.
Thanks in advance.

[WendyC]

I'd be inclined to plant them out before it gets too cold. Mine are in trays too at the moment as the space I need to plant them is still planted up. Not started sprouting yet though.


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[Bigmallly]

Thanks Wendy, think I will plant the ones out that have good growth. Hope they haven't started too early.

[noviceveggrower]

Once read an article on a lady who grew her onions in a grow bag because of the poor weather. Have you got a lot to plant out to make this viable?

[Bigmallly]

Once read an article on a lady who grew her onions in a grow bag because of the poor weather. Have you got a lot to plant out to make this viable?

Erm............about 200................

[noviceveggrower]

Erm............about 200................

Oh that many . Hmmm thing grow bags are out then.
I would say plant them out to get them use to the cold before the really cold weather kicks in.

[Bigmallly]

Oh that many . Hmmm thing grow bags are out then.
I would say plant them out to get them use to the cold before the really cold weather kicks in.

Oops.........make that 300+.......... I've just been down to count them..........

[Ananke]

Would you trim the roots before planting? I've never done overwintering sets until now and I plan starting them off in cells as I don't have the bed ready. I remember my first year on the plot, an old boy next to me said to trim the roots of my sets that I had for spring planting.

[Bigmallly]

That's a good question Ananke. I was asking myself exactly the same thing this morning..........I have planted around 40 so far & have left the roots alone. I know you can trim the roots of Leeks but not sure about onions.

[lottie dolly]

I grow mine in cell trays,or neck&neck in a tray,mine go into the ground when some green showing,whether it be 1in or 12in,after all it's the roots that get a leg up by planting in cells,plus you can see where you put them,i have some already in down the plots,but have the home one's to do,simply plant as a if it were a flower plant,and water in to settle the roots,BINGO

ref root trimming,have only heard of this if you got fresh/dormant sets,but defo NOT for the ones started in cell trays,as it defeats the object of starting the roots off in the first place,i stand to be corrected if am wrong,

[Greenleaves]

I have read that if you trim the roots you will cause them stress and check growth and increase the likelihood of bolting.

That said I am no onion expert, I tried both methods last year, cells and direct and to be honest I saw no difference in the end result.

[noviceveggrower]

Oops.........make that 300+.......... I've just been down to count them..........

300 where did you get them all?

[Bigmallly]

300 where did you get them all?

Wilkos & What!

[Bigmallly]

ref root trimming,have only heard of this if you got fresh/dormant sets,but defo NOT for the ones started in cell trays,as it defeats the object of starting the roots off in the first place,i stand to be corrected if am wrong,

That was my thinking Lottie, have just planted 100 so almost there....................Out of interest does anyone know why we prune the roots on leeks apart from making it easier to plant them.

[Bigmallly]

It's ok guys, I've found out why leeks have their roots cut before transplanting............