Black onions

Discussion in 'Pests, Diseases and Cures' started by dogsbody, Nov 14, 2021.

  1. dogsbody

    dogsbody Gardener

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2016
    Messages:
    47
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired grumpy old git
    Location:
    South Yorkshire
    Ratings:
    +18
    I grew Sturon onions this year in my usual containers with fresh compost. While they all looked good on the outside after drying nearly all were black and unusable when cut open.
    All comments appreciated.
    Thanks,
    dogsbody
     
  2. NigelJ

    NigelJ Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2012
    Messages:
    6,756
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Mad Scientist
    Location:
    Paignton Devon
    Ratings:
    +22,978
    @dogsbody
    I grew Sturon this year in the ground as normal and got good results.
    Were they black and mushy or black and dry. A picture could be of use.
    Was the top growth healthy? Did you see any maggots when you cut them open?
    Just wondering if it could be onion fly: see here for more info Onion fly not something I have had an issue with, but that could be geography.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Creative Creative x 1
    • dogsbody

      dogsbody Gardener

      Joined:
      Apr 3, 2016
      Messages:
      47
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Retired grumpy old git
      Location:
      South Yorkshire
      Ratings:
      +18
      They were black and dry and the tops were OK.No pics though. A friend has suggested that the fact that I laid them out on sacking on the garage floor may be a factor. Could this be ?
       
    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

      Joined:
      Jan 9, 2005
      Messages:
      51,029
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Retired
      Location:
      Mid Kent
      Ratings:
      +93,706
      Not something I've ever come across, but I doubt it has anything to do with the way you dried them.
      Unless, did you dig them up when they were in full growth, ie still lots of leaves and not at the end of the growing season.
       
    • ricky101

      ricky101 Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Jun 15, 2016
      Messages:
      3,418
      Gender:
      Male
      Location:
      Sheffield
      Ratings:
      +4,333
      Interesting, we grew Sturon this year and dried and stored them as normal , all looking ok but when peeling some of the larger ones found that there was something like a second brown skin but down half way though the rings but only for the top half , not like a totally complete inner skin.

      Wonder if thats something like whats happened with @dogsboys but disease has got in as well so easily turning them black ?
       
    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

      Joined:
      Jun 3, 2008
      Messages:
      32,369
      Gender:
      Male
      Location:
      Surrey
      Ratings:
      +49,750
      Mine are not storing well this year, I couldn't get them dried so some are rotting. They go soft and mouldy inside.
       
      • Informative Informative x 1
      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

        Joined:
        Jan 9, 2005
        Messages:
        51,029
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Retired
        Location:
        Mid Kent
        Ratings:
        +93,706
        I noticed that problem last year.
        My thoughts are when a long dry spell stops growth and the onion starts to ripen off, then it turns wet and regrowth starts.
        In this neck of the woods it was an awful summer this year, but strangely my onions are keeping well.
         
        • Agree Agree x 1
        • NigelJ

          NigelJ Total Gardener

          Joined:
          Jan 31, 2012
          Messages:
          6,756
          Gender:
          Male
          Occupation:
          Mad Scientist
          Location:
          Paignton Devon
          Ratings:
          +22,978
          I think Pete is spot on. I have seen the same thing myself in some years with distinct wet and dry periods.
           
        Loading...

        Share This Page

        1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
          By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
          Dismiss Notice