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Post by meandtk on Jul 28, 2015 10:20:56 GMT -5
Does anyone have any guidance on growing onion from seed in zone 8b?
Any recommended varieties?
Thanks
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Post by Mumsey on Jul 28, 2015 13:57:39 GMT -5
A great source to figure out which ones are good for your area is Dixondale Farms in Texas. They have a website that is very educational. www.dixondalefarms.com/ |
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bbgonzales
Leafing Out
Northwestern AR, zone 6b
Posts: 59 
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Post by bbgonzales on Jul 28, 2015 13:58:54 GMT -5
When bulbils form at the top, you either weren't look when the plant has flowered or you may be looking at an unopened flower bud. So generally speaking, they are removed in hopes of sending more energy to the bulb.
I'd rather let the seedlings get bigger before setting them out. Grow them for about 8 weeks when possible until they are nearly as thick as a pencil then set them out.
At this point you going to need bright supplemental light. I advise you to keep the lights on the onion 12 hours a day and place them within 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the bulbs. Trim the onions back to about 3 inches (7-8 cm) tall, that will keep them from falling out.
Good luck!
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Post by lilolpeapicker on Jul 28, 2015 15:45:55 GMT -5
Lisaann is very big on starting onions from seed but she is not in zone 8b as you are and she 's usually here on the weekend and occ here in the evening. But she knows a lot about them. I sure she will chime in when she is around. I'm in zone 5 and she helped me.
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Post by brownrexx on Jul 28, 2015 19:44:15 GMT -5
Any recommended varieties? Click on "read more about day length" below the video in the link from Dixondale that Mumsey provided. It will give you recommended varieties fro you location. |
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Post by gakaren on Jul 30, 2015 9:03:03 GMT -5
Hi Me! I'm also in zone 8b and I've grown onions from seed a couple three times. I keep learning with each time I do it. So far I've learned that the "common" starting time of 12 wks. prior to planting out isn't enough for me. Mine need to be bigger when I plant them out so I'm thinking more like 16-20 weeks ahead of a "scheduled" planting out date. My "planting out" dates also range from any time in Nov. & Dec. to absolutely no later than the first week in Jan. I've played with a whole bunch of different varieties and have not settled on any specific one at this point as being a "go to" for me. I don't care for the "sweet" onions since I'm looking for "keepers" and the longer they will keep the better for me. If you aren't worried about that, then some of the sweet ones may do well for you as most of them are short day varieties.
I know for sure that I will never plant another of Dixondale's short day red onion varieties (new a couple yrs. ago)....EVERY one of them sent up seed stalks...no matter what our weather was! And at least 50% of them didn't get bulbs any bigger than a quarter....so if you want red varieties....play with them a few at a time til you find one that will work for you or not!
Another thing that I have learned is that even though long day onions are not recommend for growing in the south....many do very well down here! I've had decent luck with Spanish varieties both white & yellow. I've also had good luck with Bermuda whites. But I think each of us has to "play" a bit to see what works best in our conditions and with our soils....I have super hard, heavy clay in most areas...not that good for root crops at all.
Give it a whirl and let me know if you find one that is a super, duper producer and a keeper!
ETA....I forgot, I don't grow under lights. My seeds are started in my garden house which only has natural light....so that could be part of why "I" need to start my seeds earlier. I don't have a place to set up a light growing station....unless DH builds me another building...we don't NEED any more buildings here!
ETA#2....I've gotten my seeds from all over the place. Be aware that "some" will have very few in a packet...so ask if the info doesn't say how much is in there. I got one packet from some place that only had about 10 seeds...very disappointing. Territorial Seeds has some good selections. |
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Post by lilolpeapicker on Jul 30, 2015 11:09:54 GMT -5
Have you been on vacation, gakaren?? Hope everything is ok. Missed seeing you around. Wherever you were welcome back.
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