Sowing Overwinter Onion Seeds

[TinyT]

This year a few of my overwinter onions had a bit of rot, so I'm thinking about having a proper go at trying my own seeds soon instead of buying in sets. Suttons Fruit & Veg cat. has Japanese overwinter seeds which look like they may do the job. I've heard growing onions from seed is pretty difficult, so I'm kind of in two minds if it's really worth the effort and if I maybe should just try the April onion sets instead.

Has anybody else successfully tried growing the overwintering onion seeds? Does anybody have an idea as to the best time and way to start them off or maybe even if you know of a certain type that may not be prone to picking up the rot?
Thanks,

[Snadger]

I grew japanese senshui overwintering onions one year from seed and wasn't impressed. I had poor germination and the ones I was growing from sets that same year were much better.
I won't be trying them again and shall stick with sets.

Don't let me put you off though. If I was you I would grow some sets as well and compare the difference. It could have been just me and they may work well for you!

PS The 'rot' as you call it could be a soil born fungal problem and not necessarily be imported with the sets.

[TinyT]

Thanks Snadger. Spring sets are looking the more promising option. I'll probaly give them a go in a different area. Come to think of it, most people I've seen grow onions do them from sets. Seeds look like too much hard work!