From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Martinsburg, Pa

I'm looking for information on giants onions, What varieties are there, and where to get them? I'm not sure but it might be getting late to start them. Any info would be appreciated, thanks Jeremy

3/25/2011 6:25:30 PM

Georgetown, Ontario

Here is a good place to get them http://www.exhibition-seeds.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Store_Onions_Very_Large_40.html#acat_2d91 they ship worldwide. To grow real big ones you'll want to start them in November....yes November. At the very latest January 1st to grow anything decent. They are an expensive one to grow due to the length of time they need to be under lights indoors or in a heated greenhouse. There's some great diaries from some of the UK growers on this site that grow giant onions.

3/25/2011 7:20:43 PM

Martinsburg, Pa

wow!!!!! thanks shepherd, I had no idea they needed to be started that early.

3/25/2011 8:17:40 PM

Northern Cambria, Pa.

BASIC ONION GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Start the seeds from Christmas to early January in a cool location. 65 degrees is the best temperature and the seeds should sprout in about 10 days.
Keep a grow light on them 24 hours a day for the first 6 weeks or so then gradually cut back. When the leaves start to get long, pinch them back to about 5 inches long or they will flop over. This will not hurt the growth.
Plant them outside when it is warm enough. They will not freeze but the ideal temp for the entire growth period is 65 degrees. Plant in a raised, well-drained bed in loose soil. Use some wind protection and or support for the leaves as they begin to get very tall.

The really big ones as well as the current world record of 16 lb. 8.5 oz. Are grown in England in greenhouses (polytunnels). The temperature there is ideal. Here it is too cold in the spring and too hot in the summer so try to keep them as near to 65 degrees as you can.

Yes it is too late to start them now. Seeds should be obtained in the fall. You can buy Kelsae onion seeds at several locations including: http://www.westcoastseeds.com/

3/25/2011 8:50:56 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

No need to repeat what has already been said, if you want to get a feel start some now and by November you will be ready to get serious. Alicia Craig are good eating and will get to 5-6 lbs. Kelsae is what you want for big weight, I believe Marty Snicker provided some for the giant veggie exchange.
I grew a pile of Alicia Craig last Summer and the weights were pretty modest, but good to eat. I have six Kelsae plants going
now and maybe next season I can give it a real shot. Temperature and light are key, the climate here does not bode well for big weight.

3/25/2011 9:53:47 PM

Niagara Falls,NY

Giantveg from England (see diaries) grows giant onions, maybe he can help.

3/25/2011 11:32:11 PM

Martinsburg, Pa

thanks, looks like next years project.

3/27/2011 12:34:43 PM