Onion sets

Are onion sets worth it?

Onion sets are the easiest way to plant and ensure a harvest of full-sized onion bulbs. The only downsides are that they can be more expensive and variety is often very limited. You may only get to choose between yellow, red or white onions, not from the multitude of varieties that fall within each of those categories.

What is the difference between onions and onion sets?

Onion sets are different—these are small bulbs harvested prematurely from the first year of an onion's life cycle and stored through winter. Sets are easy to find and plant, but typically yield smaller onions and are more often used to produce green onions than larger bulb onions.

When can I plant onions in a sets?

Sets are readily available in early spring and late summer in garden centres and from online suppliers. They are usually planted in spring, from mid-March to mid-April. Some cultivars are suitable for planting in October to mid March – these are less sensitive to cold, which would otherwise cause bolting.

Do onion sets need a lot of sun?

Onions need full sun. Select a location where your onions won't be shaded by other plants. Onions need well-drained, loose and nitrogen-rich soil. Till or turn your garden soil as soon as it is workable in the spring.

Do onion sets grow multiple onions?

Onions are most often grown from bulbs, or “sets”, in the spring but can usually make a successful crop when fall planted. One bulb will produce one onion; sets may be planted 2” apart if harvested as scallions or 'green onions', or 4”-6” apart if allowed to mature into a full-sized cooking onion.

Do onion sets grow big onions?

Sets provide for an earlier harvest but won't necessarily result in larger onions, just onions that mature faster. They are a dependable way to ensure a harvest. The only risk is that they might bolt (flower prematurely) if they are exposed to cold temperatures in the spring.

Do onion sets need a lot of water?

Generally, if light mulch is used, onion plants do not need consistent watering. About 1 inch of water per square foot per week, including rain water, is sufficient. If you want sweeter onions, water more.

Can I plant onion sets in October?

Autumn onion sets are planted in September or October; or, if you are lazy like me, in November. These sets are immature baby onions. They don't grow much over winter, but get a head start in spring. You can start harvesting by June, a month or two earlier than spring-sown sets.

How long do onion sets grow?

Onions take about 3 to 4 months from planting to harvest. If you want spring onions, otherwise known as green onions, harvest them about 3 to 4 weeks after you've planted your sets. Otherwise, be patient, water, fertilize, and weed.

How late is too late to plant onion sets?

A: To answer your second questions first, it is not too late to plant onions if you plant them from sets. It is best to plant onions in September as you will get larger onions at harvest time but you should still get a harvest of medium sized onions if you plant now.

Will onion sets keep for next year?

They store well, often to early spring next year so there is very little chance of growing too many onions. For the amateur gardener, onion sets provide the very best chance of growing healthy onions, much better than growing from seed.

Are onion seeds or sets better?

Onion seeds are onions that have not started to grow. Onion seeds are considerably less expensive than sets and you will find a much larger variety. However, they need to be started very early indoors so if you're late getting started or you prefer direct-planting outdoors, you'll need to look into onion sets instead.

Do onion sets need fertilizer?

Onions require a high source of nitrogen. A nitrogen-based fertilizer (ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate) should be applied at the rate of one cup per twenty feet of row. The first application should be about three weeks after planting and then continue with applications every 2 to 3 weeks.

Is it better to plant onion sets or plants?

Seeds simply don't have enough time to produce large bulbs when planted in the spring. Seedlings will give you a more sizable bulb with their head start with spring planting, but onion sets will give you by far the best chance at full bodied onions.

Are onion seeds or sets better?

Will onion sets get big?

How long will onion sets last?

They will last for as many as seven months when stored at a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit; just make sure that there isn't moisture in the refrigerator that can cause the sets to rot.

Do onions grow better in full sun or shade?

Onions are one of the most popular vegetables in the home garden. They can be grown for green onions and dry bulbs. Onions are easy to grow. They perform best in well-drained, slightly acidic, fertile soils in full sun.

Should I soak my onion sets in water before planting?

You can plant onion sets without soaking them, but soaked onions will sprout more quickly. You can also soak onion seed before planting to encourage germination. Soaking the sets in compost tea will give them added nutrition and protection from disease.

How late is too late to plant onion sets?

Should I let my onion sets flower?

Unless you wish to save the seeds for use next season, cut the flowers off any onions that have bolted. This won't reverse the bolting process but it does stop the bulb from dividing. Bolted onions are perfectly edible and although they'll last for a month or so in the ground, they won't store.