Giant Onions 2019

Gonna need it, size of these seedlings

 

Excuse me for asking. Yes at various shows I have seen giant veg of all sorts. What really is the attraction? I am totally ignorant, I admit. Is it simple a contest as to who can grow the biggest. What do you do with such giants? Do they retain their flavour when so large.

 

I don't join in these contests anymore because I wwas 1. Lousy at growing large and 2. Decided I didn't really care!

I understand the motivation.

Mine's bigger than yours....:rasp:. too funny and not going to happen in my gardening life again. time waster IMHO for me....

 

For me, not really. There are no vegetable shows reasonably close to me so I never go to those. I am trying onions this year because they create a talking point on our allotment site and make folk smile, much the same as when I used to grow Giant pumpkins, the kids faces at Halloween where a picture!

For me it is an interest and something to add some fun, it is also the taking part here at GC and learning. I'm not interested in records, just trying something different and a challenge.

Steve...

 

The Kelsae has a lovely sweet flavour, love a big slice in a sandwich

Like John says, they're not the best keepers, which is why I put the video about caramelizing up earlier

 

I grow kelsae's as I like the mild flavour when eating raw in a sandwich , salad etc.
they are also nice cooked. I have no problem with storage as long as they are lifted early and dried well. (they do not like touching when in storage)
I have grown many varieties of onion but have settled on kelsae as they are a good all around onion to use and you can get a good crop from limited growing space. I grow around two dozen in 12" pots as well as a raised bed.
Regds Sandy

 

I had a go some years back at growing gert big onions, within this forum. For me, it was about doing the best I could, having a go. But mostly, it was about being part of a group that was supportive of each other’s efforts and...it was fun

 

Germination was a bit sporadic, but the ones that did come up were starting to get leggy so have moved them to the cold frame in the greenhouse

 

Hi Zigs Johnsons kelsae need 20 degrees minimum to germinate well.
Pic below was taken a week ago of my spare kelsae seed gemination (this is two year old seed)
see pics. Around 70% germination @ 24 degrees


The last few years I have been growing from pips (grass) as well as seeds, below is a comparison of picture taken today of pip grown against seed grown pips planted October seeds sown November.

 

I bought Ailsae onion seeds this year and the germination has been rubbish I only have five plants from over forty seeds sown in the first batch.
I started a second sowing two weeks ago and of nine sown not a singe one has germinated, not just me as a sent a few to JWK and he says he also has had very poor germination.
I will write to supplier for comments
Regds Sandy

 

Am I too late to plant onion seeds? I was hoping to plant Kelsae if I’m not too late.

 

Still time, Kelsae seeds need a minimum of 20 degrees for decent germination.
Regards Sandy

 

I changed my mind and put 28 seeds in soil blocks. Late for this but figured if you can do it, I should get the lead out. Another year of medium but tasty onions ... hopefully...