Onion sets........

[Snadger]

I usually buy my onion sets in February but don't plant them until April.

This year I planted them in February in trays and they are ready for planting out now. They have strong root systems and 4 to 5 inches of foliage.
I know that the ultimate size of the onion is dictated by type and how many leafs/flags have formed by a certain date? (Can't remember when though!)

Does anyone use this method each year and does it give an improvement in crop?

[bridget mc laughlin]

You got it snadger, the earlier you can get them in the better. For every pair of leaves you see that should be another layer on your onion

[Pies]

I'm doing the same thing this year,the only problem i can see is making sure they dont get too warm,15degc is too warm, if they do they think they have done there second growing year and bolt

But you knew that

[Snadger]

I'm doing the same thing this year,the only problem i can see is making sure they dont get too warm,15degc is too warm, if they do they think they have done there second growing year and bolt

But you knew that

No...I didn't know that Pies but mine are all outdoors now so hopefully will be ok!

[Pies]

I ought to clarify that, they can go above 15 degrees but then not come back down to colder temps.So best keep them below 15 degrees until it warms up

[zazen999]

I start most of my sets off in compost - mainly to get a good root system so that they aren't 'pulled/pushed' up when they go into their final positions.

My biggest onion so far was a Radar set; which had 11 babies and a couple of the babies are currently looking a good inch in diameter [I put them into the soil around Sept time last year].

What I found by putting out sets direct, was that some just didn't take. With this method, if they don't take then they get thrown away without wasting space in the lottie.

I found that if they went in too early, and got frosted or even just a little too chilly before a good root system had formed, they never really recovered and just grew very very slowly.

[rana]

I have switched to autumn planting sets. They use the ground which is otherwise barren, there is less of a problem with birds pulling them up and they survive the winter with ease. Any gaps make for easier hoeing and they can be lifted earlier. No need to faff around with seed trays or modules.

[Two_Sheds]

I know that the ultimate size of the onion is dictated by ... how many leafs/flags have formed by a certain date? (Can't remember when though!)

... the longest day, isn't it? c.June 21st?

[Snadger]

I have switched to autumn planting sets. They use the ground which is otherwise barren, there is less of a problem with birds pulling them up and they survive the winter with ease. Any gaps make for easier hoeing and they can be lifted earlier. No need to faff around with seed trays or modules.

My onion sets that I set in the trays in spring have as much leaf on them as my autumn sown plants sown outdoors!

[Two_Sheds]

My onion sets that I set in the trays in spring have as much leaf on them as my autumn sown plants sown outdoors!

Mine too.
My spring onions look nearly big enough to eat: they've been in since March 2009

[Sanjo]

Can one of the onion experts advise me please. Like Zazen I planted my sets 1st into compost and they look fantastic with massive roots.
Some are already in the ground and, again, look very good.
BUT Although they look good, with a nice healthy leaf? some of them felt soft when I planted them out.
Is this normal, and is it still worthwhile planting those out?
My mind is blank regarding last years so I can't remember what they were like.
Would appreciate advice please

[Snadger]

Can one of the onion experts advise me please. Like Zazen I planted my sets 1st into compost and they look fantastic with massive roots.
Some are already in the ground and, again, look very good.
BUT Although they look good, with a nice healthy leaf? some of them felt soft when I planted them out.
Is this normal, and is it still worthwhile planting those out?
My mind is blank regarding last years so I can't remember what they were like.
Would appreciate advice please

The 'set' is only a food source for the plant until it can stand on its own two feet. Once its got established roots and a bit of greenery the 'husk' is superfluous and wil rot away!

[Sanjo]

The 'set' is only a food source for the plant until it can stand on its own two feet. Once its got established roots and a bit of greenery the 'husk' is superfluous and wil rot away!

Thanks for that Snadger

[HayleyB]

Mine are pathetic this year, Autumn planted sets, thought they'd died in the snow but found a load when weeding the other day

[Nykied]

I didn't know any of this stuff! I planted 18 of mine about three weeks ago, at the same time I planted my garlic, both in the ground. My garlic's sprouting really well, but my onions not so much. They've barely got out of their skins. Should I plant some more or will these be okay?