Onions flowering

My red onions (overwintered) are beginning to develop flower heads. Do I leave them or what?

 

Cut the flower stems out and use the onions ASAP.:thumb:

 

I let mine mature after breaking the flower stem off, but then I use those ones first, and I don't try to keep/store them (although I suppose they could be frozen)

 

I imagine that when planting onions you would do the exact opposite to when you plant out daff bulbs. With onions you are attempting to force them to grow blind ( hence the leaving the nose just proud of the soil) ???? IS this right, or am I way off?

 

Onion is a biennial - so would normally flower & set seed in the second year, but some "bolt" in the first year (normally because they are stressed in some way, or perhaps genetically unstable)

 

Interesting. I had a look in Hessayon:

Sets more inclined to bolt than from-seed

Modern varieties much less prone to bolting.

Sets which are no larger than 3/4" across are less likely to bolt.

Perhaps I should try growing them from seed ...

Seeds more prone to disease and Onion fly (and sets better for poor soil, which mine will continue to be for another couple of years until the Compost and Manure treatment long term benefits kick in)

Joy Larkcom says "Optimum set size 3/4" circumference"

 

Thank you all very much. Very clear advice, I shall get on with it straight away. Rgds

 

Just to ask an additional question then-why do we plant them with their nose showing-I know about the ridge receiving maximium sunlight therefore warmer soil.