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snuffitts
Member
431 Posts |
 Posted - 17 Dec 2006 : 18:26:00
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with it being the month of december im trying to start my giant onion seeds of but on the packet it states that you need to start them of in darkness and then introduce them to light and then outside to harden off. never tried this before and am a bit confused anybody got any tips
also wishing all members and the admin a happy christmas and a prosporus new year.
regards snuffitts |
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SweetCorn
Moderator
United Kingdom
2458 Posts |
Posted - 17 Dec 2006 : 22:37:11
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Hi,
quite a lot of seeds like to germinate in the dark. If you sow them in a seedbox, just plonk it in a bin bag or put an upturned seed box over the top. You'll have to inspect it regularly because as soon as they emerge, they want light, so just take the cover off and continue growing them. Gradually harden them off and whenever there is no more frost forecast, plant them in their final quarters.
I sow my onion seed in rootrainers, two seeds per cell. I let them grow to about an inch and then take out the smaller one. If I'm short, I transplant the small one into another rootrainer. Then when it comes to planting them out, they already have a very nice deep root run which gives them a head start outside.
Sweetcorn (Marlow, Bucks.) |
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navvy boots
Member
United Kingdom
359 Posts |
Posted - 18 Dec 2006 : 00:56:08
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| Having sown onions on christmas morning for more years than I care to rememember. I must say I have never sown them in the dark! Under the influence of a port and brandy but never in the dark. Sift some potting compost into a seed tray or "cells" (not to large) water compost with a fine rose, sow seeds (i sow them individually using a small sharpened cane (or pencil) dipped in water.(water tension allows you to pick up individual seeds and place them exactly where you want)) Then cover with a fine sprinkling of sifted compost or medium grade vermiculite. cover this with thin clear polythene or place in a propagator. idealy the temperature should be at 10-15 degrees C. germination will take 10 days in ideal conditions, a bit longer is normal. once germinated grow on in full light at 10 deg prick out or pot on as required. a lot of advice says prick out at the "hook" stage, i leave mine slightly longer untill the first leaf has almost straightened out. In cells they can obviously be left longer. For "ordinary eating onions" the whole process can be started about the end of Jan. P.S. the christmas morning bit is cerimonial/traditional really, everything is prepared before hand all you need is a port and brandy go down, water, sow, cover. all the best paul. |
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navvy boots
Member
United Kingdom
359 Posts |
Posted - 18 Dec 2006 : 22:08:54
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| Hi snuffits,hi sweetcorn, er just re-read my post and it could come across as a bit of a lecture, it wasnt supposed to, it was written with best intentions,that was to get the best results. Christmas morning is arbitary some do boxing day, the "big boys" do it this week or even earlier but most of those have supplimentary lighting.you can get perfectly good results without....Paul. P.S. snuffitts, you wont have much joy without a greenhouse or tunnel. if you have one follow the tips in the first post. |
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bobthepipe
Member
United Kingdom
821 Posts |
Posted - 18 Dec 2006 : 22:56:57
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If its Kelsae Giant we just put them in trays on the windowsill,then they get to about4" to 5" tall pop them in peat blocks, plant them out in the spring, same thing works with big carrots, two seeds in a cardboard loo roll middle, thin to the best seedling then pop them in a trench, plants are like kids if you give them too much they dont do anything & become a pain in the A**e
bob, kedington,suffolk |
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ray_thornhill
Starting Member
United Kingdom
28 Posts |
Posted - 19 Dec 2006 : 17:28:04
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| so when do u sow the seed for the under 8oz onion seed this is the first time i have had to sow these i usally get these of a lad in our gardening club but he as left due to working |
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navvy boots
Member
United Kingdom
359 Posts |
Posted - 19 Dec 2006 : 21:35:27
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| I sow mine the end of January Ray for shows in August. |
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ray_thornhill
Starting Member
United Kingdom
28 Posts |
Posted - 20 Dec 2006 : 21:57:39
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| cheers navyboots for that,but our show is in september will i still sow in the same month |
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navvy boots
Member
United Kingdom
359 Posts |
Posted - 20 Dec 2006 : 23:03:44
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Should be fine Ray. One of the most important things about exhibiting onions (thats after you have managed to grow them well) is the ripening process. they need to be out of the ground a good 3 weeks probably 4 before they are in tip top condition. lift them carefully, cut the tops back leaving 3-4 inches of top, carefully skin back to the first clean skin (a damaged or cracked skin is never going to heal itself.) wash the onion and dry with a soft towel. then find a light airy place in the house preferably (spare bedroom if your lucky enough to have one) or garage. I sit mine on tissue and lightly dust with plain talc rubbed in. after a week fold the tops over about an inch above the bulb maybe a bit less for under 250gms. just prior to showing tie with a single strand of raffia be careful not to crack the now ripe skin and trim the excess top with sharp scissors. during the ripening process the onions definatley respond to handling just pick them up and work the talc round with your hands.clean off any remaing talc prior to the show. exhibit them on small rings if permitted (large wooden curtain rings are perfect) best wishes Paul
in case anyones wondering i have been certified.
my you tube veiwing tonight included the bonzo dog doo da band and tiny tim (he was a blast) |
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CGresley
Member
United Kingdom
289 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jan 2007 : 23:13:31
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Hi Navvy Boots
I planted the onions as said on Christmas day. Was getting worried as nothing was happening. Had a look yesterday morning. Nothing. Last night and the first one popped up. Today, plenty more.
Thanks for the clear advice. Found a new Chrismas morning tradition of planting onions.
http://plotno2.blogspot.com/ |
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ray_thornhill
Starting Member
United Kingdom
28 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jan 2007 : 11:52:46
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| thanks navy boots for your advice every think is growing well in the grenhouse my kelsae and my bristol onions are looking just fine |
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giant onions
