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The best onions from seed.....

2

Posts

  • VegboyVegboy Posts: 10

    Don't any of you use grow lights to get your onions started ?

  • MawbsMawbs Posts: 13

    I sowed onion seeds (using an electric propegator) for the first time between Christmas & New Year.  They are still in the propegator, but during the day I take the lids off.  They are 2 - 3 inches long and look like chives!  Is this normal, at what stage do I prick them out?  Any help hugely appreciated!! 

  • VegboyVegboy Posts: 10

    Mawbs your onions are ready to be pricked out. They usually get pricked out at something called  " The crook stage " this is when the leaf starts to unfurl and resembles a number 7 to look at. image

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618

    They don't need that sort of heat. Take them off the heat, but they will be soft now, you will need to protect from frost.  They will slow down and harden up a bit. I space my seed out in a deep polystyrene fish box, but if yours are close together in a shallow tray, pot them on, one to a 7cm pot. Keep in plenty of light. Unless you are growing for show, you don't need growlights.

  • MawbsMawbs Posts: 13

    Thanks both.  I will prick them out this weekend.  At work now so can't do it today!  They are at home by the window.  Once pricked out would you put them in the greenhouse (not heated) or keep them inside for now.  Mr Frost arrived over night, so I am worried if I put them in the greenhouse it may be too cold!

  • GrannybeeGrannybee Posts: 332

    I have never sown onions from seed. Do they need heat? Would a cold (very cold today!) greenhouse be adequate or should they be sown indoors?  I have a new space for veg this year.

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618

    I sow mine in an unheated greenhouse with a propagator lid on until they germinate. I dont give any extra bottom heat. They need some warmth but not a lot at this stage.

  • VegboyVegboy Posts: 10

    What variety are you sowing Fidgetbones ?

     

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