Problem with growing onions, yes I said onions.

[splitter]

My ground is black (loomy?)  mountain dirt thats real puffy. Will grow about any above ground veggies. I've planted onions for years now, tried all kinds, and I do mean all kinds. I have even discussed this problem with the County Agent, he was no help. When my onions get about six or eight inches tall they seed, EVERY YEAR. I have used lime, manure, etc. They still seed like crazy. My neighbors down the road don't have this problem. The County Agent said I was getting bad seed, yeal right. You have to pull them almost before they get big enough to eat. Doe's anyone know why this happens. I've tried everyting I know to try. Thanks Splitter

[SwampDonkey]

Does the ground dry out a lot? Used to get that in dry years here, would just cut the seed top off. They are undergoing some kind of stress I beleive. Hope you didn't pour the Borax on the garden like I did. Except for the root crops it has burnt up most everything else when the sun comes out hot, a rarity these days. I'll have to douse the garden in vinegar and leaves and new soil this fall.  :-[

[Dodgy Loner]

Your soil is not the source of the problem. When do you plant your onions, what do you plant (seed, transplants, or sets), and how much sunlight do they get?

[zopi]

probably they went in too late..

http://plantanswers.tamu.edu/publications/onions/onions.html

[Burlkraft]

I had the same problem, I solved it this year by mixing a  loader bucket of sand in my soil. I have onions like I've NEVER had before  ;)  ;)  ;)

I got type never without the forum telling me I have my caps lock on!!  :D  :D  :D

[splitter]

Thanks for the info. I'll try adding sand. I usually leave one or two rows of onions to come up early the next spring. They also seed early so I know I'm not planting to late. Thanks to everybody. Splitter

[Dodgy Loner]

I hope that adding sand solves your problem, but I'm doubtful that it will. Many people grow onions successfully in loamy mountain soils.

[splitter]

 I have planted all types, yellow, white, viadials, and slips. I usually leave at least two rows to come up early in the spring, they also turn to seed. Now that I think about it they may not be getting enough sun I have several trees around my garden. Splitter

[SwampDonkey]

My uncle grows those yellow onions with flat bottoms that are huge in loamy sand, bigger than store bought that's for sure.

[Dodgy Loner]

Onions are usually biennials, meaning that they're not supposed to go to seed for two years. Adverse conditions, such as insufficient sunlight or stressful weather patterns can trigger them to go to seed the first year. However, this occurs much more often when onion sets are planted, rather than seeds or transplants. The onion sets are produced by planting seed very densely and growing them for one year, resulting in a very small bulb. Hence, when you plant sets, they are genetically programmed to seed that year. Unless conditions are ideal - plenty of sunlight, planting at the proper time, plenty of water and nutrients - their genetics take over, and they will go to seed. If you've been planting sets, I would recommend trying seed or transplants instead.

[Patty]

Any kind of stress will make your onions go to seed. We plant them in full sun, usually in late May if the weather is warm enough. Sandy loose soil works best for us. This year Norm put them in his raised beds up by the patio. The soil in those beds is real lush and fertile, well drained, and weed free...the onions are doing very well. My garlic, however, is another story. Can't seem to get it going, and I don't know what the problem is. Any helpful hints are appreciated.

[CLL]

Onions have to have well drained soil, the sand will probably solve the problem. One more thing, flat onions are always sweeter than round onions.