Thompson & Morgan Spring Onion Lilia - 500 Seeds

This dual purpose Italian onion variety has an intense flavour and vibrant red stems, topped with ...

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Thompson & Morgan Spring Onion 'Lilia' is a versatile, dual-purpose onion variety ideal for home gardeners, allotment holders, and patio container growers who want a reliable, flavorful crop. The primary benefit of this variety is its ability to be harvested early as a salad onion or left to mature into a maincrop bulb with excellent storage potential. A key caveat to keep in mind is that while it is easy to grow, it requires consistent watering and well-drained, fertile soil to reach its full potential.

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Model Part Number23567
BrandThompson & Morgan

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FAQs

Can I grow these in pots?

Yes, 'Lilia' is well-suited for containers, provided they are deep enough for root development and have good drainage.

When is the best time to sow these seeds?

Sow every 3 weeks from late winter through summer. For early spring onions, sow in autumn.

Do I need to thin these out?

No, 'Lilia' is specifically noted as not requiring thinning, which simplifies the growing process.

How deep should I plant the seeds?

Sow the seeds 6mm (0.25in) deep into the soil.

How long does it take until I can harvest?

Salad onions can usually be harvested within 6-8 weeks after sowing.

Will these store well?

Yes, if left to mature into maincrop bulbs, this variety has long storage potential.

Troubleshooting

Slow or stunted growth

Ensure the soil is not waterlogged and that the plants are receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Onions are bolting (flowering) too early

This is often caused by irregular watering or extreme temperature fluctuations. Keep the soil consistently moist.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Dual-purpose functionality saves space in small gardens
  • Striking visual appeal with red and white internal rings
  • Provides a long harvest window when sown successively
  • Suitable for containers, raised beds, and traditional plots
  • Reliable, high-germination seed count

Cons

  • Requires regular, consistent watering to prevent bolting
  • Needs fertile soil to develop full-sized bulbs
  • Cannot tolerate waterlogged ground

Setup, Compatibility & Care

To ensure success, sow seeds 6mm (0.25in) deep in rows spaced 15cm (6in) apart. Because this variety does not require thinning, you can sow thinly and let the plants develop naturally. Ensure the planting site is in full sun, as limited light will result in stunted growth. Soil preparation is critical; incorporate organic matter into your soil prior to planting to ensure it is fertile and free-draining. Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the growth cycle. For an early spring start, seeds can be sown in autumn and overwintered in protected areas. Once the plants reach the desired size, harvesting can begin in as little as 6-8 weeks.