Onion sets

browneyedbazzi

I get through a fair few onions so I'd like to grow some in my new garden. I'd like some to harvest this year so sets will be the way to go from what I've read, but I'm not sure what varieties to get or whether it's worth paying the bit extra for heat treated sets.

I'd like some yellow onions (for use in casseroles, curries, spag bol, stocks etc) and some red (which I generally use to make caramelised red onions to go with sausages or on steak sandwiches etc).

Any recommendations or advice?

Money_maker

I would recommend heat treated particularly for red onions which are prone to bolting. Best way to choose varieties is lots of googling and noting reviews. I choose mine based on good keepers as I want mine to store well, Christmas and beyond.

RuthnJasper

Not sure if you are looking for variety or supplier suggestions. I got my sets from www.seekay.co.uk this year. Excellent service and choice.
Best wishes! x

poorly_scammo

Setton and Sturon keep well in my experience. I too would try to get the heat treated ones.

trollopscarletwoman

My reccomends-

Sturon-
Stuttgarter giant
Turbo

Red-onion- Red Baron.

Consider shallots as well.

Just got mine from local horticultural society.

Well worth joining if you have one near.

A._Badger

I've tried all three methods - seed, heat treated and non-treated and I happily pay extra for heat treated now. The only downside is that they are more expensive and hard to find in shops.

I get my preferred variety (Red Baron) from Thompson & Morgan but it's worth catching one of their flash 'post free' sales as the cost of the sets with postage on top makes them very expensive.

browneyedbazzi

Thank you all for the suggestions - I think I'll definitely go with heat treated sets. I've been keeping an eye out for free delivery from Thompson and Morgan...fingers crossed one is due soon.

One more question - will I need to plant all the sets I buy this year or will some keep until next year if I have extra?

wellused

Sets are baby onions and they really want to grow so plant them all this year the time is nigh.

browneyedbazzi

wellused wrote: »

Sets are baby onions and they really want to grow so plant them all this year the time is nigh.

Thank you - my veg plot is small for this year so I will buy small packets rather than the bigger ones or see if someone else I know wants to share.

wellused

3 to 4 inches apart 10 inches between rows.

trollopscarletwoman

browneyedbazzi wrote: »

Thank you - my veg plot is small for this year so I will buy small packets rather than the bigger ones or see if someone else I know wants to share.

If you have a local horticultural society then sets can be bought loose and weighed costing next to nothing. Membership here is £4 per annum and worth every penny.

Various fertilisers, onions sets loose broad bean, runner etc, etc. The people who voluntter to run the store will also have a wealth of knowledge.