Onion seeds.

[smallblueplanet]

Last year we tried some Owa onion seeds and got zip, nada, zilch from them.

Has anyone tried them before and what's a good way to test the seed viability? On damp kitchen paper?

Oh and when and how does everyone sow their onion seeds (I'm sure I ask every year! )?

[pigletwillie]

I sow my seeds in a 4 inch pot and prick them out when they are past the crook stage into individual modules. The seeds will be sown next week and any sets will go in during March.

[smallblueplanet]

You've alway got an answer pw () how would you check viability? Can they be too cold?

[pigletwillie]

I keep them at about 10 degrees C after they have srouted (sprouting is done in the kitchen) and bottom heat is good if you have it. I never use heated propogators as I find that they get "drawn" too much by the heat.

As for testing viability, I put some seed on damp kitchen paper (on a plate) and cover with cling film and check after a few days to see if anything is happening, they should start to sprout within a week.

[Snadger]

Last year we tried some Owa onion seeds and got zip, nada, zilch from them.

Has anyone tried them before and what's a good way to test the seed viability? On damp kitchen paper?

Oh and when and how does everyone sow their onion seeds (I'm sure I ask every year! )?

If I remember rightly, Owa onions look very similar to the ham onions I grow, the difference being that I had nearly 100% germination with HO last year!!

[smallblueplanet]

Ta, will check the Owa tomorrow - cling film a good idea, I always let the paper dry-up otherwise! I think after chrimbo & new year the dining room table will return to its rightful role as a propagating table!

Yeah snadger your Hams reminded me about the Owa. Where did ya get the red ones from? Are they like Long Red Florence, they're very good?

[Snadger]

Ta, will check the Owa tomorrow - cling film a good idea, I always let the paper dry-up otherwise! I think after chrimbo & new year the dining room table will return to its rightful role as a propagating table!

Yeah snadger your Hams reminded me about the Owa. Where did ya get the red ones from? Are they like Long Red Florence, they're very good?

Got the reds from the same people a month or so ago, had an idea they might run out as it seems they have! Yes I agree they look like the LR Florence and they grow bigger than the normal ham onions. Have more of a distinctive shallotty taste also! When added to gravy they impart a wonderful flavour.
I had thought about seeding a few myself, and still may, but for what the seeds cost and for how well they grow, it just doesn't seem worth it. There again if Hungary Food folds I'll loose the strain.

Think I've just talked myself into seeding a few!

[shirlthegirl43]

I have just sown my first onion seeds, one each in a module tray of 24. How long will they be able to stay in those modules? Any advice on how to get best results would be gladly appreciated as I had such poor success with Piglet's banana shallots last year I wonder if I will have better luck this time.

They are Cipolla / Bulbing onion Rossa Di Toscana - red Italian onions (cheapies from Wyevale at the end of last year)