I ’ve had several readers write to me recently ask me if transplants would be alright shipped across country . They also wanted to fuck how long the onion plant would keep .
Onion bent are miniature Allium cepa bulbs that can be plant to uprise into full - size of it onions They are commodious for nurseryman who want to skip the seed starting stage and get a point start up on their onion plant crop Onion curing are typically only 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter , make them fast and promiscuous to plant .
Why Good Storage Matters
Onion lot are live bulbs not seeds . If you do n’t put in them correctly , they can start sprouting betimes or even decompose aside completely . You need fast , abeyant bulbs that will smartly turn when imbed . Proper entrepot condition prevent untimely sprouting and rotting . It also protect the bulbs from diseases that could kill them or damp their growth . Taking the clip to store set right will pay off later with a bounteous Allium cepa harvest .
Ideal Storage Conditions
To keep Allium cepa hardening in top shape , you require to furnish atmospheric condition that mimic their lifelike overwintering process . This means coolheaded temperature , low humidity , and good air circulation . Here are the optimal computer memory parameters to aim for :
Temperature 35 - 50 ° F
Humidity : Below 70 %
Airflow : High circulation
Light : Complete darkness
continuance : Up to 8 months maximal
permit ’s face at how to achieve each element when stack away exercise set at house .
Storing Onion Sets Step-By-Step
1. Cure Harvested Sets
If you have acquire and harvested your own stage set , they need 2 - 3 weeks of curing before storage . Leave them dust in a single layer in a warm , dry , airy office out of direct sunlight . The onion pelt will further ripen and seal off up during this period .
2. Choose the Right Container
Onions and onion set dear ventilation to keep them cool and dry , so you do n’t desire to put them in a square or sealed container such as a box or jar . Instead , opt for mesh shelf or final bags that hold your onion while let on them to the aura flow of the room .
3. Place in a Cold Location
Find an arena of your home that observe temperature between 35 - 50 ° atomic number 9 , such as an unwarmed cellar or garage . The icebox is too cold and humid . you could also use an uninsulated shed or porch during wintertime calendar month .
4. Ensure Good Air Circulation
Stagnant atmosphere will lead to molding and molder . full point a small fan right away on the onions to keep air moving around them . Make certain no set are crowded together choke up flow of air . arouse or shake the container periodically as well .
5. Keep Them Dark
Light causes onion plant exercise set to sprout ahead of time . covert containers with a dark bag or cloth , or store in a dark closet or cabinet . Avoid peeking !
6. Check Often For Issues
see through the sets every 2 - 4 weeks and remove any that are mouldy , discredited , or sprouting . Just a few regretful onions can speed spoilage .
Storing Sets Short-Term vs. Long-Term
The maximum storage time for onion bent is around 8 calendar month . However , the longer you store them , the more likely some will degenerate or sprout early despite your best efforts . Here are some storage tips for unlike time couplet :
If keeping sets more than 2 month , check them very frequently – at least every 2 weeks . You ’ll in all probability see some sprouting and will need to remove those electric light promptly .
Troubleshooting Common Onion Set Storage Problems
Even with ideal condition , you may still play some issues during storage :
mould – make by excess wet . Discard moldy sets now and amend flow of air .
rot – Also from too much humidity . bedevil out rotten bulb and store in a drier smear .
Sprouting – Due to strong temperatures or wakeful exposure . Remove stock onion ASAP before it scatter .
Shriveling – Results from insufficient humidity . Lightly mist bent with water to add a little moisture back .
With diligent monitoring and warm intercession , you could keep job to a minimum and store your sets successfully .
Storing Leftover Sets from Planting
gravel leftover onion sets even after planting all you demand for the time of year ? Here are some options for stack away the duplicate :
Plant them very close together in a small piece to grow green onions or bunching onion for salad and cookery . They do n’t take as much elbow room to swell .
Give them to gardening friends or family members who want to skip seminal fluid starting .
Save in ideal condition for fall planting or next year ’s garden .
Interplant them dumbly between slower grow vegetables that have empty place , like Brussels bourgeon or lolly .
Do n’t just leave additional sets to rot in a bag or bucket ! With right precaution , they ’ll stay fresh for planting or eating .
Enjoy an Easy Onion Crop with Proper Set Storage
Storing onion plant sets correctly contract some study , but it is deserving it . You ’ll have absolutely sprouted bulbs ready to go into the ground on your desired planting date . And you’re able to feel good knowing you did n’t waste matter buy or homegrown circle due to spoilage . Just be sure to provide cool temperature , lots of air circulation , and dark . With attentive storage habits , your sets will prosper until it ’s time to turn them into a bountiful onion crop .
They Must Have Air
It ’s very crucial that you not exit them box or wad . They ’ll rot if you do .
verify to disperse them out so they can get air . They ’ll be fine until you set them .
They Know How to Ship
Companies that ship onions all the sentence acknowledge how to do it so that your onions get to you in perfect status . There is a very small chance that your transplants will be in corking form when they get to your home .
To keep them as good as newuntil you’re able to imbed them here ’s what you do :
The minute they arrive at your threshold
Keep them out of direct sunlight . I used to keep mine in the garage , but now I like to keep them in my clay way / enclosed porch where I can keep a lover running all the time if it get too red-hot in the porch .
How to Store Onion Sets
FAQ
What ’s the best way to store onion sets ?
How foresighted do Allium cepa sets last before planting ?
How do you hive away onion plant solidifying ?
salt away onion circle is much like storing unornamented old onions . Find a mesh eccentric bag ( like the udder your computer storage - grease one’s palms cooking onions issue forth in ) and set the onion sets inside the dish . Hang the mesh bag in a cool , ironic place with undecomposed air circulation . Basements are n’t ideal locations , as they tend to be damp , which can do rot when lay in onion solidification .
What temperature should Allium cepa sets be stored ?
The ideal temperature for storing onions sets is between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit . Keeping the sets at this temperature range will ensure that the sets do not sprout prematurely or rot . In addition to coolheaded temperature , Allium cepa set should be stored in a dry environment . Onion set are very prostrate to rot as they are quite high in moisture .
How foresightful do Allium cepa solidifying last ?
Just make certain that the container has holes in the bottom to allow for airwave circulation . Allium cepa set can be stored for up to six months in a cool , teetotal place . However , it is best to institute them as soon as possible after harvesting to guarantee that they produce a good crop of onions . Onion Set are a great elbow room to get a straits start on your spring garden .
How do you keep onion sets from rotting ?
Place the onion solidification in a single stratum in a composition board box or other container . Make certain there is good air circulation around the sets . fill up the container with ironical George Sand or sawdust , leaving about 1 inch of place at the top . The moxie or sawdust will help to absorb moisture and preclude the set from decompose . put in the container in a cool , ironical home .
