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Post by bluelacedredhead on Mar 18, 2010 19:19:45 GMT -5
I've only attempted starting onions and leeks twice. Both times were unsuccessful.  But today I received Welsh Onion Seeds in the mail from a friend. I would like advice on how to start and grow these from seed so that I may give them a permanent home in my herb garden. Many Thanks... |
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Post by canadamike on Mar 18, 2010 20:26:57 GMT -5
Blue, my lovely  these seeds are notoriously short lived..I have seeded 150 or so wild alliums from the genebanks this week and I do not even dream about 40% germination, they are so old...10-15% is my target. Put them on top of your ( I hope) soilless medium and cover the container with saran wrap until they sprout. I would prime them in seaweed extract if I was you...or some weak compost tea...it really makes a difference... Michel |
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Post by bluelacedredhead on Mar 18, 2010 20:47:49 GMT -5
Michel, so soak them in the compost tea? Or water them with it after planting? And Yes, I have soilless mix  , and dome lids for germination. |
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Post by canadamike on Mar 20, 2010 22:59:03 GMT -5
Compost tea is a great idea. Then put them ''bulk'' on soilless mixture that is premoist, barely cover them and make sure the soil stays moist but not soggy. They love to grow together, I tried them one by one in small cells once and got such a bad ''crop'' of seedlings. Other people confirmed the same experience...
When it is time to transplant them, immerse them in compost tea or water so they get loosen up easily. It helps them to spread the small roots I found.... When I had a smaller garden and more time to play with it, I used to grow lettuce around them, to get very long white stems.
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Post by bluelacedredhead on Mar 22, 2010 9:21:05 GMT -5
2 days and I've got Germination! Lots of germination. Michel, thanks for your input.
Now to see if I can continue to keep them alive until they are large enough to transplant?
Do I trim them at like 2 inches tall to make them grow stronger?
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Post by ottawagardener on Mar 22, 2010 12:32:01 GMT -5
That's a great idea for blanching stems Michel.
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Post by canadamike on Mar 22, 2010 17:18:50 GMT -5
Wait untill they are 6 inches or so Blue...meanwhile make sure they have plenty of light....
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Post by bluelacedredhead on Mar 22, 2010 18:20:54 GMT -5
Will do. TY
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Post by canadamike on Mar 23, 2010 19:37:01 GMT -5
Very glad to be of service my friend...how are they now??? Give them cold hey!!
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, and dome lids for germination. 