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Sow in open ground
1cm (1/2") deep in rows 23-30cm (9 to 12") apart as thinly as
possible. Thin seedlings to final spacing required in two stages. For show
onions sow in greenhouse at the turn of the year hardening off in March for
planting out in April. Sow outdoors as soon as ground conditions permit, late
February to end of March. Sow salad onions successionally from March to
August. For general garden crops the site should be moved each year to prevent
the build up of diseases like White Rot. A well prepared bed should be provided
with a fine tilth and good drainage. Good weed control is essential (as it is
with sets) especially early on. Most commonly noted problems are Onion Fly,
White Rot and bolting. The effect of Onion fly can be reduced by careful
thinning and destroying all thinning immediately, as will using sets or pot
grown plants thereby avoiding any thinning. An eight year break from onions and
their relatives is the only long term cure for White Rot. Bolting can be almost
eliminated if care is taken, avoid planting in cold wet soil.
MAMMOTH IMPROVED
Vigorous and uniform
onion. It has a sweet flavour and can reach up to nearly 3kg (6lbs) in weight
and 56cm (22”) in circumference.
MAMMOTH RED ONION
This is reputed to be
the largest red onion in cultivation. It stores well and has a strong taste.
AILSA CRAIG
Very popular old
favourite. Heavy crops of fine quality and flavour. Winner of many local shows.
BEDFORDSHIRE CHAMPION
Excellent old variety
re-introduced to our catalogue by popular demand. Golden brown, globe shaped
bulbs that store well.
MARCO F1 Hybrid
A full globe with
firm, dark bronze skin. High yielding, excellent quality, stores well.
RED PEARL F1 Hybrid
A maincrop hybrid
variety with a beautiful deep red colour. It produces firm bulbs.
SENSHYU SEMI-GLOBE
YELLOW
Japanese autumn sowing
variety. Good cropper with straw-coloured bulbs, ready when traditional types
are scarce and expensive.
PARIS SILVER SKIN
Sow March to early
July. This cocktail or pickling onion needs no thinning.
LONG RED FLORENCE
Torpedo shaped bulbs
of purple-red with a mild sweet flavour.
PURPLETTE
Delightful purple-red
skinned mini onion. Can be harvested early for salad, bunching onions or later
for pickling.
WHITE LISBON
For pulling as salad
onions only.
WINTEROVER
A winter hardy version
of White Lisbon can be used to extend the harvest period for spring onions. Sow
August-September.
GUARDSMAN
Especially suitable
for autumn crops. Strong upright variety with vigorous root system. Popular with
commercial growers.
ISHIKURA
Japanese bunching
type. Vigorous growing, the long salad onions remain in good condition over a
long period. Sow March - April.
REDCOAT
A decorative red
stalked salad onion. |
