Is it Better to Grow Onions from Seed or Sets?

As an experienced grower, I have traditionally relied on onion sets for my crops, but this year, I decided to try growing onions from seeds. There are pros and cons to both methods, and it's important to weigh the benefits before making a decision.

Main Drawbacks of Using Seeds

The main drawbacks of using seeds include the extended time to harvest and the risk of early die-off. Onion sets, on the other hand, mature more quickly and have a lower tendency to fail. Additionally, a lot can go wrong with seeds, making the process more challenging and less reliable than with sets. However, seeds offer significant benefits such as lower cost, a wider variety of options, and a reduced incidence of bolting.

Most sets are available in only a limited number of varieties, and there is a risk of bolting. On the other hand, seeds offer a greater variety and when purchased from reputable seed companies, you have access to a wider range of cultivars. Although seeds require more effort to start, the amount of work involved is not as significant as with plants like tomatoes or peppers.

Seedlings and Transplanting

Seedlings from onions are quite small and need gentle handling during transplanting. However, the Kelsae sweet variety can reach impressive sizes, often weighing up to 10 pounds each. Planting shallots from seeds is a separate process, and while it does come with its challenges, it offers the advantage of a greater variety of options.

Benefits of Using Sprouts

For those living in a long-day climate, onion sprouts can be the best choice. I have tried sets with mixed results, but sprouts consistently produce excellent outcomes. Sprouts from Dixon Dale Farms come in a variety of types, including Redwing, Red Copra, Yellow Copra, Sterling White, and Blush Pink. These sprouts are small, about the diameter of a thin pencil, but they all grow to the same size. There are about 200 sprouts per bunch, which can be held easily in the palm of your hand. When purchasing, you can purchase about half and still have plenty left over for growing.

One key consideration is that onion sprouts rarely bolt, and even if they do, they can be used for salads. Sprouts can be planted densely, allowing for the selection of early harvests for meals. Although planting and watering can be a bit fiddly, resetting the ones that roam is not a significant challenge. Onion sprouts require a lot of water in the first month, so setting up a soaker hose in a shallow trench down the center of the raised bed can help. Ensuring adequate hydration is crucial.

Harvesting and Curing

There are some complications to keep in mind, especially when growing from seeds. Harvesting too early or not curing the onions long enough can lead to suboptimal results. Fully developed onions have about seven leaves, and it's important not to touch them until the tops fall over and the onions finish growing. Additionally, proper curing is necessary to ensure the onions store well. While the process is mostly about patience and weeding, it's essential to be vigilant in these tasks.

In conclusion, whether you choose to grow onions from seeds, sets, or sprouts, there are pros and cons to each method. Factors such as climate, time commitment, and desired variety will guide your decision. Regardless of your choice, keeping the bed weed-free and addressing any complications promptly will ensure a successful harvest.

For more detailed guidance and to see pictures of onion sprouts, keep an eye on my updates. Happy gardening!

figure img srconion_sprouts_mixed_ altOnion sprouts in mixed varieties figcaptionMixed variety onion sprouts when they arrive./figcaption /figure