Spring Planting Onion Duo

Where to Plant

Choose an open, sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil. Onions prefer neutral to alkaline conditions, so acidic soils may benefit from liming well in advance of planting. Avoid freshly manured ground and areas that stay wet, as onions don't grow well in waterlogged conditions.

When to Plant

Plant the sets from March to April, once the soil is workable. If the ground is frozen, waterlogged or particularly cold and wet, wait until conditions improve.

Planting

Plant each set with the pointed end facing upwards and the tip just showing above the soil surface. Space sets around 10–15cm apart, with 30cm between rows. Gently firm the soil around them and water after planting.

Growing in Containers

You can also grow the sets in large, well-drained containers positioned in full sun. Give each set enough room to develop a good-sized bulb and keep the compost evenly moist during dry weather.

Watering & Feeding

Keep plants well watered during prolonged dry spells, particularly while the bulbs are actively developing and swelling. Once the foliage begins to yellow and fall over naturally, stop watering to allow the bulbs to mature ready for lifting.

Well-prepared fertile soil should provide a good start. On poorer soils, apply a balanced vegetable feed as growth gets underway. Avoid excessive high-nitrogen feeding, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of bulb development.

Keep Them Weed Free

Onions have relatively shallow roots, so weeds can quickly compete for water and nutrients. Weed regularly, taking care not to damage the developing bulbs or shallow roots.

Protecting Newly Planted Sets

Birds can sometimes pull newly planted sets from the soil before they've rooted properly. Check them regularly and gently push any disturbed sets back into place. Fleece or suitable netting can be used temporarily until they're securely rooted.

Good Companions

Grow onions alongside crops such as carrots, beetroot, lettuce and other leafy salads. Their upright growth means they fit neatly into a mixed vegetable plot without taking up too much space.

Making the Most of Your Bed

Quick-growing crops such as radishes and salad leaves can be grown nearby and harvested while your onions are still developing. Just make sure the onions aren't crowded and continue to receive plenty of light.

Crop Rotation

Avoid growing onions where onions, garlic, leeks or shallots have recently been grown. These crops belong to the same plant family and can be affected by some of the same soil-borne pests and diseases.

Planning Ahead

Where possible, leave three to four years before growing onion-family crops in the same spot again. Once your onions have been lifted, the cleared ground can be used for later-sown salads and other quick-growing vegetables.

When to Harvest

Harvest once the foliage begins to yellow and naturally fall over, usually from summer into early autumn depending on planting time and growing conditions. Allow the bulbs to mature naturally rather than bending the foliage over.

How to Harvest

Choose a dry day and carefully loosen the soil beneath the bulbs with a garden fork. Lift them gently to avoid bruising or damaging any that you intend to store.

Drying Your Onions

Leave freshly lifted onions somewhere dry and airy until the foliage, necks and outer skins are thoroughly dry. In fine weather they can be dried outside; if conditions are damp, move them somewhere covered with plenty of ventilation.

Storing Your Onions

Both varieties have good keeping qualities. Once thoroughly cured, store sound, undamaged bulbs somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated. Net bags or slatted trays are ideal as they allow air to circulate around the onions.

Top Tip

Choose the firmest, best-ripened bulbs for storage and use any damaged, thick-necked or bolted onions first. Check your stored crop occasionally and remove any bulbs that begin to soften.

Two Different Flavours

With both red and yellow onions to harvest, you'll have plenty of choice in the kitchen. ‘Red Baron’ has a strong, full flavour, while ‘Stuttgarter Riesen’ is a versatile yellow onion that's particularly useful for everyday cooking.

Best Enjoyed

Slice the red onions into salads, sandwiches, burgers and salsas, or cook them to soften and sweeten their flavour. Use the golden-yellow bulbs for roasting, soups, sauces, curries, casseroles and other cooked dishes.

Make the Most of Your Crop

Enjoy some of the bulbs fresh from the garden and cure the remainder for storing. Having two varieties gives you a useful supply of both red and yellow homegrown onions to reach for in the kitchen.

Top Tip

Keep the two varieties separate while they're curing and in storage. That way it's easy to pick the colour and flavour you want when you're cooking.

What to Expect When They Arrive
Your onions are supplied as dormant sets in netted bags, ready for planting. Sets are sold by weight, so the number of individual bulbs you receive may vary slightly from the approximate count shown on our website.

Ready to Plant
Your onion sets can be planted out as soon as they arrive. Each small bulb will establish roots and grow on to produce a mature onion ready for harvesting.

If You Can't Plant Straight Away
Remove the sets from their delivery packaging and keep them in their netted bags somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated until you're ready to plant. Check them occasionally and plant as soon as conditions allow.