Onion seedlings

[Florence Fennel]

I've sowed some Bedfordshire Champion onion seed two or three weeks ago at the same time as some leeks. The leeks are standing up straight like grass and look very normal, the onions are at the same growth rate, but very floppy. Both are on my kitchen windowsill. Wassup with the onions?

[Bigmallly]

I've grown the same variety Flo & they are the same, I am using AP's wire hoop trick.

[chris]

What's that, BM? Like those plant supports things only in miniature?

[Bigmallly]

There's an excellent thread ongoing here Chris with some really good info & pics.

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...eed_69067.html

[Florence Fennel]

I've grown the same variety Flo & they are the same, I am using AP's wire hoop trick.

That's comforting BM, thanks, I'll take a look at the thread suggested

[chris]

Ah thank you BM, haven't looked at that thread yet (oops)

[Paulottie]

I have the same issues...tray of onion seedlings not nearly as regimentented as their leek cousins. I had a look at the other thread but wasn't aware that 'knows his onions' meant 'needs to get a life.'

I am not growing to show these days.....but frankly think that individual 3" pots with wire hoops is (don't want to be rude) erm... a bit OTT....I think will buy some sets as a back up and leave them to sort themselves out for a month or so.

[Aberdeenplotter]

I have the same issues...tray of onion seedlings not nearly as regimentented as their leek cousins. I had a look at the other thread but wasn't aware that 'knows his onions' meant 'needs to get a life.'

I am not growing to show these days.....but frankly think that individual 3" pots with wire hoops is (don't want to be rude) erm... a bit OTT....I think will buy some sets as a back up and leave them to sort themselves out for a month or so.

Thanks for your opinion. Those who say they don't want to be rude generally know they are being rude.

The advice being given is for growing for exhibition and the original poster made it clear that his seed is from an exhibition strain.

Those who are following the thread seem to be appreciating the advice given and that is what I will continue to use as my yardstick.

[Potstubsdustbins]

I have the same issues...tray of onion seedlings not nearly as regimentented as their leek cousins. I had a look at the other thread but wasn't aware that 'knows his onions' meant 'needs to get a life.'

I am not growing to show these days.....but frankly think that individual 3" pots with wire hoops is (don't want to be rude) erm... a bit OTT....I think will buy some sets as a back up and leave them to sort themselves out for a month or so.

I was going to reply but don't think I can lower myself.

Colin

[Paulottie]

Perhaps then it didn't require 15 pages for us mere mortals and Florence to arrive at the salient point (and the answer to this question)...as you rightly pointed out (eventually). It is difficult when the sun comes out to keep constant growing conditions thus the onions have got too hot (and seem to dislike it more than the leeks.) causing them to flop a bit.

For us that have work, kids etc and want reasonable sized onions for the kitchen.....Is this a problem? probably not in my humble opinion...obviously not as highly regarded and expert as yours...but once there was room for discussion on here rather than lecturing by 'experts'

Really can't be bothered to read it again but wasn't the original post saying that although an exhibition strain they were not for showing?....Anyway please don't get hold of the wrong end of your yardstick.

[Aberdeenplotter]

<Counts to ten> Nope, I'm not biting.

[veggiechicken]

I'll bite then - well have a little nibble
As I understand Potty has been given some onion seeds by his mate and asked for advice on how to grow bigger better onions. AP has stepped up and is sharing his expertise with Potty and the rest of us along the way.
That's really all there is to it - anyone can join in or not. Its their decision. End of story.

[Potstubsdustbins]

VC I am not getting at you for sure but you did miss one very important word, your post should read AP has kindly stepped up etc.

I was and still am very grateful for his advice and so it would appear so are a number of others.

Counts to 10 and then to 10 again........................... Bu**er it I will bite.

Paul-ottie you really should read post's fully. You are right I am not growing for show but I am most certainly in a competition, a one man competition with my mate. I have never grown onions from seed before and requested help, AP kindly offered that help, others then joined in. All reasonable enough for you so far.

May I suggest that if you want to rattle someone's cage you do it somewhere else or just keep your snide comments to yourself.

Colin

[Aberdeenplotter]

Now if a little sanity has returned to proceedings. I did not simply step in. I was specifically asked to do so and I happily did. Growing onions for exhibition is my thing and I'm totally and absolutely happy to share my knowledge and experience with anyone who wants to grow onions to a decent standard.

I'm not going to poke anyone in the eye on here or anywhere else. If anyone doesn't like my advice, then fine, ignore it.

The vine is usually a lovely social experience for like minded folks and it's a real shame that has been spoiled on this thread. Now, let's get back to normal.

[sauzee]

I planted 2 trays of leek seeds and 2 trays of onion seeds one red exhibition and one white exhibition out of the 4 trays i planted not one showing. I planted them on 6th Feb in a mixture of vermiculite and compost. The seeds are new delivered from Kings have i made a mistake by planting them in vermiculite
Oh and the seed trays are indoors