Onion sets

[rary]

I have been reading APs advice on growing onions from seed and have decided to give it a try, but I would also like to grow some sets as well, could members of the vine let me know what they consider the best sets to grow, for (a) taste (b)storing (c)size. Also where to purchase said sets, if they are not the usual run of the mill selection.
Thanks

[Bill HH]

I bought 100 sets of "Radar" online from Marshalls because many members recommended them, every single one has taken. I cant comment on how they taste or store because I havent grown them before.

[rary]

Thanks Bill, did you have a good crop. I tried sturon this year, none went to seed, but not very big onions, possibly due to lack of water I am not very good at watering as it usually rains at least once a week, but this was an exceptionally good year (three weeks without rain then just a short shower) but I will keep a note of Radar,
again Thanks

[Bill HH]

I only planted them on October so I dont get to eat one until May or June, but they are certainly growing well at the moment.

[rustylady]

I have been reading APs advice on growing onions from seed and have decided to give it a try, but I would also like to grow some sets as well, could members of the vine let me know what they consider the best sets to grow, for (a) taste (b)storing (c)size. Also where to purchase said sets, if they are not the usual run of the mill selection.
Thanks

I grew Red Baron from sets last year. Lovely onions and easy to get hold of.

[Aberdeenplotter]

Sturon/Stuttgarter giant/Centurion/Hercules. All really good varieties. Get plenty muck beneath them. Onions are gross feeders and will not develop without a source of nutrients.

I no longer try to grow Refd Baron from seed. Lovely onion but they just bolt with me even if I use the heat treated sets.

[Mikey]

You'll find readily available sturon and red baron in most garden centres and many independant hardware stores. I have better success with sets than seed and when growing enough for the family sets aren't expensive, if you are looking to do it on a commercial scale then seed is probably more appropriate.

I find that both varieties taste and store well, and as they are generally used either for a base of something else the flavour is not as important.