Onion Red Baron - Seeds - Thompson & Morgan
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This guide is for home gardeners looking to grow attractive, flavorful red onions. The key benefit is an easy-to-grow variety that produces firm, dark red bulbs with good storage potential, ideal for salads. A caveat is that results can vary based on growing conditions, and images are for guidance only.
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| Model Part Number | 23743 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Thompson & Morgan |
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FAQs
What is the best time to plant Onion Red Baron seeds?
Onion sets are typically planted in spring, from late February to April, once the risk of hard frost has passed and the soil is workable.
How many seeds are in a packet?
Each packet contains approximately 175 Onion Red Baron seeds.
Can I grow these onions in containers?
Yes, you can grow them in containers as long as the container is deep enough and provides excellent drainage, and the container receives full sun.
What are the mature dimensions of the plant?
The plants can reach a height of up to 45cm (18 inches) and spread up to 15cm (6 inches).
How do I know when the onions are ready to harvest?
Harvest the onions when their foliage starts to turn yellow and fall over. This usually occurs in mid to late summer.
Are these onions suitable for overwintering?
While they are hardy bulbs, the typical advice is to plant sets in spring for summer harvest and storage. Overwintering potential depends heavily on your specific climate and variety characteristics.
Can I plant these seeds directly into the garden?
These are typically sold as onion sets (small bulbs), not seeds, for easier planting and faster establishment. If you have seeds, you would start them indoors much earlier or direct sow very early in spring, understanding they take longer to mature than sets.
Troubleshooting
Onion bulbs are small or underdeveloped
Ensure adequate sunlight (at least 6-8 hours daily), consistent watering, and fertile, well-drained soil. Check for overcrowding; thin plants if necessary.
Onions are soft or rotting in storage
Ensure bulbs are fully dried before storing. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Discard any bulbs showing signs of rot before storing.
Yellowing or wilting foliage before bulb development
This can indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the soil drains well and adjust watering frequency. Fungal diseases can also cause this; remove affected plants and improve soil conditions.
Pests attacking the plants (e.g., onion fly)
Use row covers to protect young plants. Practice crop rotation. Ensure good garden hygiene to remove potential breeding grounds for pests.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Attractive deep red color
- Stronger, appealing flavor
- Good storage capabilities
- Reliable and easy to grow
- Excellent for adding color to salads
Cons
- Requires full sun for best results
- Cannot be planted on freshly manured soil
- Results may vary based on growing conditions
- Needs well-drained soil, may require raised beds in wet areas
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
- Prepare the planting area several weeks in advance by incorporating well-rotted garden compost to improve drainage and soil fertility.
- Avoid planting onion sets in soil that has recently been manured.
- If your ground is particularly wet, consider using raised beds for cultivation.
- Plant onion sets so the tip of the bulb is just visible above the soil surface.
- Ensure a spacing of 10cm (4 inches) between each bulb and 30cm (12 inches) between rows.
Compatibility:
- Sunlight: Requires full sun. Choose a location that receives unobstructed sunlight throughout the day.
- Soil: Prefers firm, well-drained soil. Amending with compost is beneficial. Avoid heavy clay soils unless improved or used in raised beds.
Care:
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging.
- Weeding: Keep the area free of weeds, as onions are not strong competitors.
- Harvesting: Harvest bulbs when the foliage begins to yellow and fall over. Allow them to dry thoroughly before storing.