Quick summary
- These enormous bulbs, often weighing in at several pounds, are a testament to the gardener’s skill and patience.
- Store cured onions in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or garage.
- After the bulbs have reached a good size, remove the flower stalks (bolting) to encourage the bulb to grow larger.
Growing exhibition onions is a rewarding challenge for any gardener. These enormous bulbs, often weighing in at several pounds, are a testament to the gardener’s skill and patience. But how do you achieve such impressive results? This guide will walk you through the process, from seed selection to harvest, so you can grow your own giant onions for show.
Choosing the Right Variety
The first step to growing exhibition onions is selecting the right variety. Look for varieties specifically bred for their size and weight, such as:
- Ailsa Craig: A classic exhibition onion, known for its large, globe-shaped bulbs.
- Giant Red: As the name suggests, this variety produces massive red onions.
- Walla Walla Sweet: This variety is known for its mild flavor and large, flat-shaped bulbs.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Exhibition onions are best started indoors, giving them a head start in the growing season.
1. Sow Seeds: Sow seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your region. Use seed starting trays filled with a seed starting mix.
2. Light and Temperature: Place the trays in a bright location with temperatures around 70-75°F.
3. Watering and Thinning: Keep the soil consistently moist, watering when the top inch feels dry. When seedlings have two true leaves, thin them to the strongest seedling in each cell.
Transplanting to the Garden
Once the weather has warmed and the threat of frost has passed, it’s time to transplant your onion seedlings to the garden.
1. Prepare the Bed: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve fertility and drainage.
2. Spacing: Space seedlings 12-18 inches apart, depending on the variety.
3. Transplanting: Gently remove seedlings from their trays, being careful not to damage the roots. Plant them at the same depth as they were growing in the tray. Water thoroughly after transplanting.
Fertilizing and Watering
Exhibition onions are heavy feeders and require consistent watering to thrive.
1. Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time. Side-dress with fertilizer every 3-4 weeks, especially during periods of rapid growth.
2. Watering: Water deeply and consistently, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy.
Protecting Your Onions
Exhibition onions are susceptible to pests and diseases. Take steps to protect your crop:
1. Pest Control: Monitor for onion flies, aphids, and other pests. Use organic pest control methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil when necessary.
2. Disease Prevention: Rotate crops to prevent soilborne diseases. Avoid overhead watering, which can spread fungal diseases.
Harvesting and Storage
Exhibition onions are ready for harvest when the tops begin to fall over and the bulbs feel firm.
1. Harvesting: Carefully lift the bulbs from the soil, taking care not to damage them.
2. Curing: Allow the onions to dry in a cool, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks. This helps to cure the bulbs and extend their storage life.
3. Storage: Store cured onions in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or garage.
Achieving Exhibition-Worthy Onions: The Extra Mile
For those aiming for truly impressive exhibition onions, there are a few additional steps you can take:
- Top Dressing: After the bulbs have reached a good size, remove the flower stalks (bolting) to encourage the bulb to grow larger.
- Mulching: Mulch around the onions to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Selective Harvesting: Choose the largest bulbs for exhibition, allowing the smaller bulbs to continue growing for a potential second harvest.
The Grand Finale: Your Exhibition Onions
With careful planning, meticulous care, and a little bit of luck, you can grow exhibition onions that will impress even the most seasoned gardener. Remember, patience is key. It takes time and dedication to grow these giant bulbs.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: What is the best time to plant exhibition onion seeds?
A: It’s best to start exhibition onion seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your region. This gives them a head start and allows them to grow large enough to be transplanted outdoors.
Q: How much water do exhibition onions need?
A: Exhibition onions need consistent watering, especially during the growing season. Water deeply and regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soggy.
Q: Can I grow exhibition onions in containers?
A: While possible, growing exhibition onions in containers is more challenging. They require a large pot (at least 12 inches in diameter) and plenty of nutrients to reach their full potential.
Q: What are the signs of a healthy exhibition onion?
A: Healthy exhibition onions have large, firm bulbs, with a deep green foliage. They should also be free of pests and diseases.
Q: Can I save seeds from my exhibition onions?
A: You can save seeds from your exhibition onions, but it’s important to note that the offspring may not be true to type. This means they may not grow as large or have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
