Onion stems falling over

hutchman · June 2018

Hello everyone,

(Q) Anybody know why has my onion stems fallen over as you can see in my picture ?

I have checked them over and there are no signs of damage (wind) or infestation (insects/mould) or even intrusion (cats digging .... etc)

I planted the sets deep earlier in the year in a raised bed which has 2 year old compost and manure dug well in to improve the soil

I have now supported them so I can weed in between the rows and water as needed

Any advice / help as always very much appreciated

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/j4/zppoqig8b3vu.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/1u/h2kom7d1up2y.jpg

Thanks

Dovefromabove · June 2018

Onions like a sunny spot, preferably full sun ... are yours in a shady place?

BobTheGardener · June 2018

Onion sets should be planted shallow, so the top just pokes out of the soil. I suspect you have planted them too deep. They need full sun as Dove says.

hutchman · June 2018

Hi Dove & Bob, thanks for your comments.

Yes the raised beds are in full sun - but not all day !! up to about late morning depending on the weather of course but their not 'light deprived'

Yes Bob, did plant them shallow as you say, but deep enough so the birds didn't pull them out as they have done before

I wonder if the beds are too rich in compost/manure and the green stems growth have shot 'off' and thereby become top heavy ??

As you can see I put in thin stick (stakes) hoping that they will help to support the green stems - hope these won't cause any other problem ??

Thanks again both for your responses

Happy gardening

Dovefromabove · June 2018

Full sun means 'all day'.

Shade, even light shade, from late morning isn't enough sun
for successful onions, I'm afraid.

Onion stems falling over

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