Trim onions?

galwaybeginner · Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 4:08 pm Post subject: Trim onions?

Hi

I've some onions growing. They are doign great above ground, but do appear to still be very small beneath. So, I am a bit worried they will go to seed soon as a few already have the start of flower heads starting to climb up.

Can I trim them down and will they still grow decent onions? Or is there something else I can try?

Thanks

galwaybeginner · Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 8:14 am Post subject:

I'm going to answer my own post, as I found the answer elsewhere and it may be helpful to others.

It would appear that I planted a bit early, before the last cold, and the war cold warm change has led the onions to bold. Trimming will not solve the problem.

Better to sow a little later and get a good rop, than risk loosing the lot.

Qzy · Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 11:08 am Post subject:

Just let them grow and remove the seed head when it forms. Eat these first though as they won't store

galwaybeginner · Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 11:16 am Post subject:

Thanks, will do that.

Problem is the bulbs are not gettign too big, but the stalks are.

James Kilkelly · Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 11:31 am Post subject:

galwaybeginner · Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 9:57 pm Post subject:

If I recall correctly the only fertiliser is some manure mixed into the soil when dug. I had some fishblood in the section next to it, but they haven't been in the ground long enough for it to have washed that far apart.

I had three sets in for a spread harvest, so will see how the others 2 do. both too short to know yet.

Is it too late to sow another set do you think? They are in a polytunnel so good growth generally.

Rocky1 · Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 8:27 pm Post subject:

Hi have a query , my shallots are starting to flower. Is this a problem? I grew loads last year and don't remember this happening. Thanks

michael brenock · Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 8:34 pm Post subject:

onions that flower or bolt are the victims of sowing too early and or getting a good fine spell of weather followed by a cold spell. it is far too late to make a planting now. The bolting may also have been due to storing the sets in too warm a place before planting.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

galwaybeginner · Posted: Tue May 24, 2011 8:14 am Post subject:

Thank you Michael.

I'll just have to wait until next year then I guess.

Nozebleed · Posted: Tue May 24, 2011 4:06 pm Post subject:

i've had 7 onions go to seed so far. a lot of my onions look as though they're suffering from bull neck (thick neck)..i hope im wrong..
i hope they're just gona be massive onions!

sirpsycho · Posted: Tue May 24, 2011 5:48 pm Post subject:

Some of my red onions have decided to bolt too. Must be down to some of the cooler nights we have had recently. My white onions are still doing fine though, no sign of flower heads. Yet!