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Not just any old onion.

• Message 1. 

  Posted by BigDave (U3975543) on Monday, 5th September 2011

  Hi there, I just wanted to know if there was anyone on this form that grows big onions?
  
  I want to have a go at growing some big ones next year, not to show just for a big of fun as we have had the allotment 5-6 years now me and the kids want to try something to keep us on our toes so to speak.
  
  I have been looking at the seeds and know you have to start them off in winter with bottom heat but I would just like to pick someones brain to find out the does and don't....don't want to let the kids down you see.
  
  If anyone knows of a good book please say as I would like a good read to.
  
  Thanks for reading.
  
  Whatsthemarrow...

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by netherfield (U3897706) on Monday, 5th September 2011

  Not personally,we grow Red Baron and Hercules.
  
  But,coincidentally,in our local paper last week, a chap just down the road has grown around a thousand onions which he and the local pub are going to auction/sell off for charity.
  
  For the really big ones he recommends ' Kelsae' , Google reveals this to be a very large 'sweet' Onion, if I recall correctly his largest was around 5lb.

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• Message 3

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  Posted by Papa Nopsis (U14479902) on Monday, 5th September 2011

  What I want to know is how the sets are grown. After nine months of effort I have got some healthy onions that look like sets, but which I grew from seed.
  
  They have not flowered so shall i leave them in or harvest them or keep them for setts for next spring?
  
  I did not use compost/manure which is probably why they have been so slow.
  
  I would like to grow big'uns too.

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• Message 4

  , in reply to message 3.

  Posted by BigDave (U3975543) on Monday, 5th September 2011

  Thats it Nopsis...I to want to grow some big one's...
  
  We grow around 200 winter, 400 summer and some red onions
  (we all love them...we have a big family)....but I just want to have a go at some big ones say about 12....just to say I had a try....5lb would be super but say 2-3 lb each onion I would love that as the ones I grow are just to use in the kitchen.
  
  Anyways guys keep the posts coming someone tell us the tricks of the trade so to speak.
  
  Thanks again.
  
  Whatsthemarrow...
  
  

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• Message 5

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  Posted by Papa Nopsis (U14479902) on Monday, 5th September 2011

  I want to grow as good a crop of onions as most people do potatoes. i eat as many onions at various stages of development, and different species during the year as some people would potatoes.
  
  shallots spring onions pickled onions, Fried onions. I love'em but can anybody here help lead me on?!
  
  Lead the way BigDave!
  
  I thought I might find some big ones at the horticultural show, but did I?
  One mingy one of 1kg, which looked as if it had been polished to keep it fresh since last year and that was it.
  
  Onions in everything; A big plot of onions!

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• Message 6

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  Posted by BigDave (U3975543) on Tuesday, 6th September 2011

  Now you are taking....we to love them...I love them in/on/with antthing....cooked uncooked.....they are so good baked around the meat on a sunday....they never get to the plate.
  
  
  Whatsthemarrow...

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• Message 7

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  Posted by Engineer (U3135859) on Tuesday, 6th September 2011

  For huge onions, the variety is the main thing, closely followed by:
  Start them early in heat (eg. seeds in December, bought seedlings in early spring.)
  Grow in rich crumbly soil (dig lots of manure into the growing area now.)
  Space them further apart than normal onions when you plant them out.
  Keep them absolutely weed-free (they don't compete well with other plants.)
  Keep them well watered once the bulbs start forming.
  Some varieties to look for are Kelsae, Mammoth, Ailsae, Showmaster, in order of how easy they are to find.
  Good luck - I've had a great crop of standard-sized onions this year - about twice the size as last year (same sets), so reckon the hot weather we had in spring was a big factor.
  
  Cheers -- Bob

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• Message 8

  , in reply to message 7.

  Posted by Papa Nopsis (U14479902) on Tuesday, 6th September 2011

  So basically Allium seeds in December with heat.
  
  That would certainly start me off nicely, rather than plant seeds out in early march, which is what I did!! Gotta start somewhere.

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• Message 9

  , in reply to message 8.

  Posted by BigDave (U3975543) on Thursday, 8th September 2011

  I was thinking about getting a light box but I'm just going to grow them at the same time as my pepper and tom plants......Dec/Jan with bottom heat on the window sill its worked for them the last five years or so.
  
  Realy can't wait to get them going now.....what kind of seed are you lot going to try.
  
  Whatsthemarrow...

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• Message 10

  , in reply to message 9.

  Posted by voddydod (U3141441) on Thursday, 8th September 2011

  try reading some great blogs from - smithy veg , pauls allotment blog , blickys blog. They are a great read and they keep them updated and also give their tricks of the trade - i.e. - mixes to make up , etc................

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• Message 11

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Kleftiwallah (U13700999) on Saturday, 10th September 2011

  Medyn's of Anglesea will sell you onion seedlings that will grow huge. They arrive about December time with all instructions needed. Cheers, Tony.

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• Message 12

  , in reply to message 11.

  Posted by Papa Nopsis (U14479902) on Sunday, 11th September 2011

  I've got some root trainers.Will they help? It may be difficult to get the root trainer system in to the mini-propagator. , without buying a different size mini-prop.
  
  Gardda

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• Message 13

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by overtonmike (U14318708) on Monday, 12th September 2011

  Go to www.mammothonion.co.uk. Robinsons seeds. They are at all the big garden shows and know their stuff. They have good cultivation hints on their website. Order a catalogue (there are detailed instructions in it). I've grown mammoth onions from seed for the first time this year that are 12-15 inches circumference! Not the biggest in the world but not bad for a first go!
  
  Cheers

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• Message 14

  , in reply to message 13.

  Posted by BigDave (U3975543) on Wednesday, 14th September 2011

  Mike...thanks for that I will have a look as soon as I'm done writing this.
  
  "not the biggest in the world but not bad for a first go".....thats what I mean mate I only want to have a go, I don't want to show them there for eatting.
  
  Whatsthemarrow...

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• Message 15

  , in reply to message 14.

  Posted by Papa Nopsis (U14479902) on Monday, 19th September 2011

  
  
  He nearly had the world's largest onion.
  
  Does he use loads of nutrient/compost?

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• Message 16

  , in reply to message 15.

  Posted by pjgolf (U2469936) on Wednesday, 21st September 2011

  Dave.
  
  Peter Galzebrook beat the world record last weekend for giant onions. I have just asked him for some marrow seed which he has been kind enough to give me. He also sells giant onion seeds.
  I cant give you his email address but here is a link to a place where it is listed. Just click on the envelope in the top left hand corner.
  The seeds will cost you a fiver I think.
  
  Cheers
  
  PJ
  
  

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