Growing Onions from seed 2021 season

[burnie]

I have put the old thread in the archives if anyone wants it for reference and starting a new one.
Yesterday I put some cell trays in the heated propagator with some multi purpose compost, it says on the packet to use John Innes, but I lost confidence in that compost some years ago with poor germination. I guess everyone has there own favourites and method of growing, mine has come from trial and error and seems to work ok, I don't grow for show, but do like the larger varieties. I use Robinsons "Mammoth" seeds and I am back to growing the Red ones this year, lovely flavour and a decent size without getting too big for the kitchen and don't seem to go to seed. I have always sown on or around Boxing Day, but this year decided on a few weeks earlier with the hope of getting them out of the propagator in time for sowing Chillies round about February.

[MarkHackwell]

I have put the old thread in the archives if anyone wants it for reference and starting a new one.
Yesterday I put some cell trays in the heated propagator with some multi purpose compost, it says on the packet to use John Innes, but I lost confidence in that compost some years ago with poor germination. I guess everyone has there own favourites and method of growing, mine has come from trial and error and seems to work ok, I don't grow for show, but do like the larger varieties. I use Robinsons "Mammoth" seeds and I am back to growing the Red ones this year, lovely flavour and a decent size without getting too big for the kitchen and don't seem to go to seed. I have always sown on or around Boxing Day, but this year decided on a few weeks earlier with the hope of getting them out of the propagator in time for sowing Chillies round about February.

Good thinking! What varieties have you sown? I am going to get the seed in the next week so I can get mine down on Boxing Day

[burnie]

I grow Robinsons "Mammoth Red" Mark, I order them direct, They specialise in seeds for the show growers, but the flavour is good as well as the size, I also got my Leek and some of my tomato seeds from them as well.

[burnie]

Well I wasn't expecting to see any green shoots just yet, but some loops just forming, I think that's a record for me, 6 days to germinate!!

[burnie]

[burnie]

There should only be one seed in each cell, I think I may have dropped a few extras in lol

[Peteyd]

I tried growing onions from seed in my first ever year as an incredibly novice gardener. The extent of my failings was outstanding and I think it has somewhat put me off. I have however decided to give it another go for this coming year. I'm thinking of try Armstrong to see if i can get anywhere. If nothing comes of it, i guess that's where i'll leave it. A last chance saloon if you will.

[burnie]

I find they need a long growing season, good ground and don't let them dry out, I shall pot mine on into old yoghurt pots and will harden them off in the cold frame end of March if it's not too cold.

[frogga]

I started Senshyu Yellow back in November, they're around 3 inches high now in individual pots.

My issue is now it's so wet everywhere here that they will be staying in their pots for the next few months. I was hoping to get them in the ground over Xmas and build my plastic cloche, however I fear they will just rot as soon as they're planted.

I've never got this far with them, so I'm hoping mother nature doesn't curse me again.

Andrew

[burnie]

Good luck frogga, do you have a light and airy shed or garage window to put them on to keep the frost off the roots?

[Snadger]

I used to like growing the Mammoth reds as well but they are no good if you are short of space as they need to be planted at least 300mm between plants to get the best from them. I now have a double plot where space isn't an issue so I may give them another go.

[burnie]

I used to like growing the Mammoth reds as well but they are no good if you are short of space as they need to be planted at least 300mm between plants to get the best from them. I now have a double plot where space isn't an issue so I may give them another go.

I only need a few Snadger, so not too much space required, but I do like the taste of them and even if they only get to a couple of pounds in weight I'll be more than happy with that. I shall take the trays out of the heated prop and put them in an un heated one before then potting them on. As you can see, not 100 percent germination, but pretty good, there will be plenty for my needs.

[Plot70]

They look a little bit leggy.
I would be tempted to give them a bit more light even at the expense of heat.

[burnie]

Problem it's almost 9 am before it's light and dark again just after 3 pm up here, could do with some Aurora Borealis to brighten us up a bit.

[frogga]

Mine are currently in a greenhouse, they are looking very leggy at the moment, I'm hoping the wife will allow them indoors for a few weeks to get some bulk, rather than stay thin and straggly.

Mine are in 9cm pots, and as we are alone for the festive period there should be room for them on our windowsills in the house, without the risk of them getting knocked.