Onion question

Debora Cadene 7/20/2012, 8:25 am

Some of the onions have developed an onion flower on top. Is this normal? Most of them have laid down and don't feel like standing up as well. Do the onions stay in the ground till it gets cold or near the frost? I've been using them as needed, and so far, the ones I pull up are about the size of a golf ball, but will they get bigger?

Pollinator 7/20/2012, 9:44 am

Debora Cadene wrote:Some of the onions have developed an onion flower on top. Is this normal? Most of them have laid down and don't feel like standing up as well. Do the onions stay in the ground till it gets cold or near the frost? I've been using them as needed, and so far, the ones I pull up are about the size of a golf ball, but will they get bigger?

Yes, that is normal. Your pollinators love these flowers, so it's a good idea to leave them to bloom as a way to feed your bees. Once they flower, the bulb loses quality, so this season is essentialy done for that plant.

When flowering is done and the seed pods start to brown, cut off the long stems, bundle them and tie in a dry spot to finish maturing. If you wait too long, they will shed the seeds and you'll have lots of volunteers next year

A paper bag around the bunch (but the bunch hanging above the bottom of the bag) will catch seeds that fall from the seeds pods. Then when the seeds are dry, you can save for replanting.

Pollinator 7/20/2012, 9:49 am

I forgot to mention - once they lay down, they are done growing, and are best pulled before they rot in the ground. You can pull them with stems attached, tie the stems together and hang up in a dry spot, like under a porch or shed roof. They will keep quite a while this way.

Also, onions can easily be dried, if you have a dehydrator, or an oven with a gentle warm setting. Simply slice real thin and dry. They turn brown and look ugly when done, but they are oh-so-good in soups later on.

AvaDGardner 7/20/2012, 1:19 pm

I'm glad to know they can rot in the ground.

What's the best one to store them?

Mine were almost ready here (no flowers). The greens are great to eat too, so I don't want them all to turn brown!

We've eaten several and they are delicious!
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