2013 Onion Growing Challenge

Hiya John.

Obviously there's something not quite right, but personally I wouldn't be too worried. Indeed, I've had something similar where the tips turned white but they went on to produce as normal. It's a bit difficult to see exactly your lighting set-up, but it looks like you're using fluorescent? As you know, they produce very little heat so I wouldn't think that proximity is an issue, heat-wise. Maybe a bit more humidity? Just guessing My (limited) view is that no harm would be done by potting them on now. I've potted up mine when at the same stage, and they were fine Maybe turn the heat down a bit

Dunno if this helps, it's just my thoughts

Cheers...Freddy

 

Hiya John.

35% sounds pretty low, so it might be something to look at. I always think that plants are at their happiest when in their natural environment, and outdoors the humidity is quite a bit higher, I think.

The lighting rig looks a good one, so no issues there I reckon

 

No need to worry John, the only parts affected will drop off in due course along with the seed cases! perfectly natural, mine are doing the same, get ready to prick out when the weather warms up!

 

I've sown a few more Mammoth Giants...just to be on the safe side

 

Again, I love it when you talk dirty

Got mine under a blub, they seem to like it.

 

Hello chums

To those of you that are using lighting, I thought it might be interesting/helpful if you could please tell us how long you are lighting for and your timings. Maybe add your conclusions, if any.

I don't wish to be picky, but I thought it best to draw attention to 'guideline' 3, ref post #68.

Cheers...Freddy

 

Isn't it all seed sown onions that Rule 3 applies to - the requirement to post pics of seed sown onions at crook stage?

So far I've only seen pics of:

1) JWK post #241 19/1/2013 & #165 5/1/2103
2) Lolimac #231 18/1/2013 & #163 4/1/2013
3) Scrungee #174 7/1/2013 &#143 1/1/2013

I'm up to 10 hrs/day with lights but anxious for things to warm up a bit outside so I can get my onions under lights somewhere cooler such as my greenhouse.

 

Yes, quite right. Rule 3 applies to seed grown. Like I said, I don't want to be picky, and tbh, i hadn't really checked who had posted, but thought it best to mention it

10 hrs eh? What time do you 'light up'?

 

From when Economy 7 starts at Midnight until 7:00 and a further 3 hours until 10:00 am, to take advantage of the cheap overnight tariff and a bit beyond so I don't need to turn the room light on when I water them of a morning. This will be upped to 12 hrs in the growbox & 12 outside when I get my box in the greenhouse going.

P.S. I'm going to plant some of the nice, big sets they've got at Morrisons for £1 for 40 for the growing from sets part of this challenge.

 

Thanks for that

I normally plants sets, just in case my seed grown fail for some reason. I can't afford the space this year, as my attempt to grow a record breaker ( ) means that one of my raised beds is taken up by 18 Kelsaes. Having said that, I doubt I'll bother with sets again, as last year they were no bigger than the size of a golf ball! I shouldn't be surprised though, my seed grown always out-perform my sets. A bit more messing around with seed grown, but a better harvest

 

But I've got almost unlimited space for growing, although I mainly thought it might be a useful tip for those who might want to go for the set category of this competition as it would only cost £1, and not involve nearly as much effort/expense/hassle as from seeds, but still be a bit of fun and provide a useful crop.