To grow your own onion sets, you'll primarily focus on seed sowing density and ensuring good growing conditions. Here's a breakdown:
Planting Onion Seeds for Sets
The key to growing onion sets rather than full-sized onions lies in how densely you sow the seeds. This crowding restricts their growth, resulting in small bulbs perfect for replanting later.
- Sowing Thickly: The main technique is to sow seeds much more thickly than you would for mature onions. This crowding will limit their growth. You can either:
- Broadcast: Spread seeds evenly over the prepared seedbed.
- Individual Planting: Space seeds closely (about 1/2 inch apart) and at a shallow depth (around 1/4 inch).
Growing Conditions for Onion Sets
To provide the best environment for your onion sets:
- Sunlight: Onion sets need full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil thoroughly. It should be free of rocks and debris. Amend the soil with compost to provide nutrients and improve drainage. Well-drained soil is essential to prevent rotting.
Post-Germination Care
After germination, thin seedlings if necessary, but not too aggressively. The goal is still to maintain some crowding. Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Harvesting Onion Sets
Harvest when the tops begin to fall over, usually in late summer or early fall. Gently lift the small bulbs from the soil.
Curing and Storage
Cure the onion sets by laying them out in a dry, well-ventilated place for about a week to allow the outer skins to dry and toughen. Store the cured sets in a cool, dry place until planting time the following spring. Mesh bags are ideal for storage, allowing for air circulation.
