onion sets

[bridget mc laughlin]

Whats the earliest that anyone has ever planted their onion sets and how did they turn out. Because I'm not too sure when to plant mine out

[Comfreyfan]

I was just reading Pigletwillie's thread on onions etc and it says. . .

'My onion sets will go in around the middle of March, later if the weather is bad. Too early and again the number of bolters increases dramatically, as you can pull onions at any time and use them green, there is no need to be too early.'

Mine generally go in at the beginning of March here in the South West on the closest onion 'moon day'! But it always depends on the weather.

[SarzWix]

Mine usually go in towards the end of March, but the reds don't get planted until April because they're heat-treated ones and aren't delivered til then.

[bridget mc laughlin]

Thanks for that everyone

[Snadger]

I don't usually plant out my onions grown from seed or my sets until April!

[kitchengardner]

Whats the earliest that anyone has ever planted their onion sets and how did they turn out. Because I'm not too sure when to plant mine out

I usually do mine in Sept/Oct as I use the Japenese varieties, which overwinter under a layer of fleece really well. Normally you would do the spring sown sets in late March or early April, dependent on your local climate. However if you use Buffalo you can sow as early as late Feb (under fleece/cloche) which crop in late June but please note they do not store well. You can start most other varieties in late Feb if you do so in pots in a cold frame or greenhouse, and then harden off before planting out in early April - this allows you to crop about 3 weeks earlier than usual

Regards

Kitchen Gardener

[Matt.]

This year (just!) I planted mine into cells in Jan/Feb as they were going manky and rotten in the container they came in. They faired ok and only one bolted from over 100 sets. I'd stick with the advice already given though and wait until later if you can.

[moggssue]

I planted my japanese sets on the lottie at the end of November (know the name but cant begin to spell it!!!). The sturon will go in around late March, that was the date last year and I had a fantastic crop so have high hopes.

I dont think they like the cold and wet if they're only newly planted, so hang on a bit longer Bridget - not that I'm an expert, last year was my first!

[magz.mccarthy]

Here's a silly question: A shallot set will produce a bunch of shallots I think. Is it the same for an onion set?

[bridget mc laughlin]

One onion set will produce 1 bulb onion

[Two_Sheds]

Our Wilkinson has onion & shallot sets in now ... I'm still not planting till March though

[cupcake]

Doh! I spotted the seeds but didn't see any sets. Got the spring onion and leeks that I was after.