The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Vegetables => Topic started by: suziequeue on March 28, 2013, 09:50:19 am

Title: Spring onion - why are mine always so rubbish??
Post by: suziequeue on March 28, 2013, 09:50:19 am

I've tried growing spring onion from seed a few times and they always just end up as whispy little blades which never develop into anything.


Why is this??


I've got some in seed trays under the light on the window sill and only about three have even germinated out of god knows how many  ??? :(


Any hints/tips?

Title: Re: Spring onion - why are mine always so rubbish??
Post by: Jackie 2 on March 28, 2013, 10:08:20 am

I grow these in root trainers and pinch sprinkle one or two seeds per trainer. I dont cover with compost but do spray with water bottle after setting the seeds so as not to wash away the seeds with water.


Like onions they are greedy plants to feed them well once transplanted

Title: Re: Spring onion - why are mine always so rubbish??
Post by: fairhaven on April 02, 2013, 07:39:18 pm

 :roflanim:  I'm so glad I'm not the only one who can't grow a spring onion!    I've been trying for the last 4 / 5 years & never once produced a proper onion, I've tried pots, garden, grow bags... no luck at all.   I know this dosen't help you, but at least you know you are not alone  :D   

Title: Re: Spring onion - why are mine always so rubbish??
Post by: suziequeue on April 02, 2013, 10:23:08 pm

Thanks Fairhaven. That's reassuring. I feel like such a gardening dunce. I mean - a spring onion!! my expectation was that it would be relatively straightforward........ I shall keep trying but it's good to know I'm not lone.

Title: Re: Spring onion - why are mine always so rubbish??
Post by: Mammyshaz on April 06, 2013, 10:12:08 pm

My spring onions are usually weedy thin things. Last years pathetic crop were left in the tub over winter as I forgot about them, and are really looking good and some as thick as shop ones so I am going to do more and let them overwintering this year too.
Totally odd way of growing them I know but it has worked this year  :yum:  Try it, you never know  :D

Title: Re: Spring onion - why are mine always so rubbish??
Post by: suziequeue on April 06, 2013, 11:00:25 pm

Oh right - yes - mine look weedy and pathetic. I have planted a batch iaw Jackie2's suggestion and I will be a bit more patient this time.  :fc: :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Spring onion - why are mine always so rubbish??
Post by: Clarebelle on April 07, 2013, 11:22:40 am

I'm in the same boat! Tried spring onions a few times, always only managed thin little things! I'm not doing them this year as I dont have the room but I'll keep trying. Only one of my leek seeds germinated this year, he has a pot all to himself and im getting quite attatched to him!

Title: Re: Spring onion - why are mine always so rubbish??
Post by: suziequeue on April 07, 2013, 03:05:27 pm

OOMG  ::) ::)


I've got so many leek seedlings and they are all bunched up ion a root trainer tray. I'm going to have to cull some  :o

Title: Re: Spring onion - why are mine always so rubbish??
Post by: Floyd on April 07, 2013, 05:53:07 pm

Have had the same problem but have been advised to put the wood ashes from the woodburner into the ground prior to sowing.

Am trying this this year, so here's hoping.