Saving onion seed?

[Snadger]

This year I am growing Kelsae onions but would like to save my own seed from selected stock for next year. Once I have chosen the biggest and best shaped onions what do I do? When the onions tops die down what is the procedure from then on? Do I leave them in situ or dig them up and replant in pots? How long before seedhead appears and seed is formed? Do onions grow 'grass' and 'pods' on their seed heads similar to leeks? If so, can I propogate from these?

Any help would be appreciated!

[pigletwillie]

Once you have selected your onions to grow on for seed, they need storing as per usual and then replanting the following year. They will send up a flower spike which will flower and then start to ripen. As I found last year, the seed heads need to be really ripe before you harvest them otherwise you reduce the germination rate considerably. Some people advocate putting a paper bag on the head to keep the seed safe but I found that the seed is secure in the head until its almost totally dry. At this point you can cut the heads off and leave to dry in a tray or something similar. Once completely dry the seed just falls out of the heads and can be stored in paper bags or envelopes until required.

Its surprising the amount of seed that you get from each head so you will only need to save half a dozen bulbs to give you enough seed to last a couple of years.

[nick the grief]

Hi Snadger,

Theyonly thing to add to what Piglet says is regarding Bulbils. I'm not sure, I think I was told they would but I can't remember. they gcome so easy from seed it's not worth the hassle though.

Leeks have a nice flower - sort of pinky colour and the bees love em.