Onion sets Bolted

Just got back from fourteen days away and my Onion sets have all "bolted" as in all have a central stalk with a flower head on

The bulbs themselves are about two inches in diameter, do I pull and ditch or can I use them ? If I can still use them , do I pull as needed or pull all now and dry out ?

Jack McH

 

Hi Jack, firstly snap all the flower heads off and leave them growing, I've had a few trying to bolt; particularly reds, and snapped the flower heads off and they've continued growing. You can still use them although I believe they won't store well, not sure though..

Hope this helps a bit

 

Mine, all reds, have gone the same way Jack so we've started using them now.

 

Welcome back Jack & Dave, hope you both had good breaks.

Slugs have eaten mine.

 

Mine started bolting a month ago and now have cut all the flower stems off.

 

One of mine has a flower head coming, but I'm leaving it to see what it looks like.

None of my onions are going to achieve their potential by August, which is when they're meant to be ready. Some of them are about 2" fat but most are just like slightly fat spring onions. We've just been pulling them as and when we want them and using them straight away. They're lovely and fresh tasting, but lacking the 'bite' of a 'proper' onion.

 

I agree just use them while still in the green.

In most years we get the reply, they bolted because they were dry.

I'm not sure that could be said of this year, my thoughts are, and have been for a while, sets always seem to bolt these days.
I dont know why.

But since growing from seed I get very few if any that bolt.

 

Totally agree with pete
Personally, I've always thought that seed grown are better, all round The only problem is that one has to look after them until planting time.

Cheers...Freddy

 

They are more work, starting early and all that, but I dont use much heat, and I'd rather have less good sized and well formed bulbs than loads of bolted ones.

 

I think this drought, flood, hottest, coldest weather is enough to make anyone want to set seed & die.

 

Because I had a bit of extra space, and as a bit of insurance, I also planted sets. I have to say the sets are absolute rubbish! They are no bigger than a golf ball, and are pretty much done. TBH, I don't why folks bother with sets, if they have a greenhouse. I guess it's just easier.

 

Thanks ALL for the advice, I will be out with madame guillotine in the morning

Had some excellent taste first early tatties for tea tonight, First ever,:-) Swift early, only got two tennis ball size and six golf ball size off the one plant though but very nice


Regards Jack McH

 

Hiya Jack.

Spuds, my favourite crop Dug up the first of my Arran Pilot's the other day, yummy