The Allium Thread

[Python15]

I've read this thread from front to back and some absolutely wonderful advice given, however, most of the posts are from way "Down South" and I was wondering on planting times for way "Up North". This will be the first year I will try shallot sets in my raised bed (Golden Gourmet) and noticed that some people have them planted out already!! Would that work up here in Moray? Another question, I had my first go at onion sets last season (Stuttgarter Giant) and although they set of like the clappers of Hell suddenly they started falling over way before maturity. On inspection I saw what appeared to be "nibbles" out of the bulbs. Would this be slugs?? I saw nothing on the underside of the bulb when lifted. At the same time I planted the same variety of onion from seed in a border. They seemed to quetly die back but looking at them now they appear to have sprung back to life. Will they be ok edible wise? Thanks guys!

[Mark Lottie]

anyone in here grown Allium Vineale before? Known as Crow Garlic/wild garlic (not ramsons)

wiki link

I discovered it when mowing allotment paths and smelt garlic. I noticed these chive like plants that eventually grew purple flower heads with bulbils, so took some bulbils and also transplanted some bulbs to a different bed to see if they would grow which they did.

Just looking for any general tips or guidance. Not bothered if they dont work, but I think they might as the bulbils have started sprouting in the envelope I put them in.

In america it's considered an invasive weed

edit: see attached image for shot of the harvested plant

[Chalk_Heart]

Hey, sorry to post in here if it's the wrong place, but here's my problem - I'm growing onions for the first time this year, Red Baron from sets, in containers, and they appear to be being eaten (google tells me probably onion root fly?). I was wondering what you do about this, if anything, and if it's worth letting the bulbs that were nommed on but are now vacant get bigger? I would appreciate any advice you could provide

[zazen999]

Ah well, back to the potting shed. Better be safe than sorry.

As it is Feb - I'd sow but not put them in the heated prop - well, possibly a few but I'd leave the rest to germinate just somewhere warm like a kitchen worktop....they really only need the heat when it is too cold for them.

[Aberdeenplotter]

I'm a bit surprised that your onions have flopped over because at 5 cms, they should still be at the loop stage which is the ideal point for pricking out. Have you let them get too dry or is your heated propogator set too hot. If the plants have been stressed by getting too hot or too dry, the likelihood is that they will bolt. I would resow.

[Peter Bluestar]

Ah well, back to the potting shed. Better be safe than sorry.

[zazen999]

I have no idea!

[Peter Bluestar]

Will they recover?

[zazen999]

As SOON as they germinate they should come out of the prop and somewhere cool; the heated prop is only to burst them - if you leave them in there they will flop at some point.

[Peter Bluestar]

Well, that was great advice. I started the Garlic in pots & planted out late November & they are firing up. But here's my next concern;

Started onions from seed in the propagator which have germinated. But the leaves have got to about 5 cm & have flopped. I've taken them out and put them in the green house. Will they get their shape back or should I think about sowing some more?

[Peter Bluestar]

That's great, thanks a lot.

[rustylady]

As the ground is really heavy with all this rain, can I plant Garlic in pots & move them to the Allotment later or do they not like to be moved?

I've started my garlic and onion sets in cell trays for this very reason. They should be OK but I hope we get a dry spell soon.

[Peter Bluestar]

As the ground is really heavy with all this rain, can I plant Garlic in pots & move them to the Allotment later or do they not like to be moved?

[Shadylane]

Red Baron aren't an overwintering type so probably won't survive unless you cloche them, though if you ask Two_sheds she'll tell you different They're generally planted early spring (from sets). I'm going to try overwintering normal ones under cover which I started from seed in August. I'll put them in the ground soon. I sowed some proper autumn planting ones a few weeks ago and haven't had amazing germination.

[Nordmead]

im a bit confused can i start of my onions (red baron) and put them in the ground by october or november?