Overwintering onions from seed

[Binky]

I usually grow my overwintering onions from sets and they usually do quite well, although a few bolt. Just for a change, I thought I would try some from seed this year. Other than Senshyu Yellow, what varieties are there than anyone has had any success with? I garden on well-drained, sandy soil in the South East.

[Westi]

Hi Binky

I am going to do the same. I have a crate full of onions
that have bolted, so I pulled the others as well as they
were large enough just to ensure I had some for storage.

T & M have a 50% off seed sale on at the moment and
have some onion seed left with a pretty good description
of each so might be worth a look. I also got some shallot
seed in someone elses' sale.

I will still buy a few over wintering though as I like to
have something showing in the beds over winter although
I have so many leeks it will be a challenge finding a spot!

Westi

[Binky]

Thanks for the tip - I have ordered some Hi Keeper. In the description it says you can sow in either autumn or spring, so I'll give it a go.

[Westi]

Hi Binky

Mine have come but I was not very adventurous -
Alisa Craig, Red Baron & Banana Shallot. The other
one I already had was Rijnsburger which I have not
tried before but hey I expect it will taste like onion
So long as they don't bolt so readily I will be happy.

Westi

[Johnboy]

Hi Westi,
All the varieties you mention are either a Boxing Day job or for sowing from January onwards. I must say I like your selection and you will find Rijnsburger a superb Onion of good texture and taste which stores very well.
I thought I would mention this as the thread heading is Re: Overwintering onions from seed which your selection are not!
JB.

[Binky]

Johnboy - as well as Hi Keeper, I saw Toughball in Marshalls catalogue. Are they OK for autumn sowing? Also, how crucial is timing?

[FredFromOssett]

For a couple of years now I have successfully sown Ailsa Craig as an overwintering crop. I sow about the first week of August, planting out at the end of September.

[Binky]

FredFromOssett -Do you sow them in seed trays or modules, rather than straight into the ground?

[Johnboy]

Hi Fred,
So you have been very lucky for the last couple of years. Certainly Onions are more hardy than we give them credit for but it is not something that I would endorse. The saying 'if you never try you never succeed, applies in this case. I may even give it a try myself.
It is really nice to hear from people, like Fred, who have gone against popular advice and have actually brought it off. Brilliant!
JB.

[FredFromOssett]

I sow the seed in modules which I germinate and grow on in the coldframe, before planting out when a few inches high.