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Problem with Onion Seeds
lesinnl
Posts: 43
in Fruit & veg
Following on from advice on this forum last year I opted for onion sets this year. I found Snowall and put them outside under plastic about 4 weeks ago. I have had to remove the plastic cover this weekend as the sets are all between 6 and 10 cm high, looking good, just a few lost to the birds from what I can tell. I just don't understand why my onion seeds never take.
I always start my seeds off on a warm windowsill avge 18degrees day and night, then put them outside under plastic and when required, bring them into the porch overnight.
Please can someone outline what to do, how to do it and when, can I still try onion seeds this year. I am determined to set my own onions
Thanks
Les
0
Posts
How old are the seeds, Les? I've found the onion seed germination rate drops off with year-old seed, even more with two year-old seed, and so on. Don't sow too deeply, keep them warm, keep the mix barely damp (not wet), and wait.
The seeds are new this year, as I read somewhere that old onion seeds may fail...I sit with breath abated...thanks.
What is the name of the seed company? Some have very low germination rates, even though they have to reach a Statutory Minimum.
That's true. Years ago a new packet of Bedfordshire Champion seeds produced about three seedlings for me.
These days I've given away growing them from seed. They can take a long time till planting out stage. I grow from seedlings (as distinct from sets).