GROW GIANT ONION SEED

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Giant onion seeds are the result of many years careful selection by plant breeders, and while they are genetically capable of growing to huge sizes, you will need to provide the optimum conditions in order for the onions to reach their full potential.

Please note that these onion varieties have not been artificially or genetically manipulated other than by means of selecting seeds from plants that has shown a natural propensity to grow larger. In the case of some of these varieties this year on year procedure has taken over a century to produce massive sizes we see today.

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The key to growing giant onions is to give them as long a growing period as possible. Most growers will sow their onions in the spring but the competitive giant onion grower will need to start far earlier under protection in January.

At the same time you will need prepare the area that the onions will eventually be grown in. If you prefer this can be done in the autumn when the weather is better and the ground less like to be frozen. Dig in plenty of well rotted garden compost to help improve both drainage and soil fertility. The reason why this is done so early before planting is because onions do not like to be grown on freshly manured soil. To ensure good drainage, especially if you are prone to a lot of rain during the growing season you may wish to grow your onions in raised beds or polytunnels.

As previously mentioned, sow giant onion seed indoors in January. Using module trays, fill with a good quality compost such as John Innes 'Seed and Cutting' and sow the seed at a depth of ½" deep. Gently water in and then place the modular tray in a propagator at a temperature of approximately 10-15 degrees Celsius. Alternatively seal the tray inside a clear polythene bag and place in a warm bright room on a windowsill that does not receive direct sunlight. Germination should occur within 10-14 days.

When the seedlings emerge, remove them from the propagator or polythene bag but move them to cooler conditions. Once all risk of late frosts has passed they can be hardened off for a week or two before being planted outdoors in their permanent position at a distance of 12 inches apart. Newly planted onions will need to be protected from attack from birds until they establish their root system. Water the plants thoroughly after planting and keep the bed weed free to avoid competition for nutrients. You will need to hand weed around the bulbs to prevent damage from metal tools.

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