Bunching Onion Seed Start in Containers

[Imperialboy]

It seems like bunching onions shouldn't be starting indoors but rather directly into the soil. In my case it's main container.

How do you plant them? And what size container?
Will a potting mix + mushroom compost + perlite + sand + worm castings be good?

[DoubleDogFarm]

Your mix should work.

I would plant the seed about 2"apart in all directions. Just cover the seed with a dusting.

This is my technique this year, but I will be transplanting.
[img]https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h300/eric_wa/Greenhouse%20Photos/DSC03178.jpg[/img]

Eric

[Imperialboy]

Alright. So you can start them in flats?
I don't need to directly plant them in 15 gallon containers or what not?

What size containers recommended?
Should I start in flat or directly in the recommended ^^ container

[DoubleDogFarm]

I would start them in the container you plan to grow them in. I would probably use something wide and shallow. Maybe 6 or 8 inches deep. It could be something as simple as a cardboard or wood box.

Here is a rubbermaid that gives you the idea. https://test.deerso.com/94GAL_WHT_STORAGE_BOX612405-details.aspx

Eric

[Imperialboy]

Alright. Yeah I always use plastic nursery pots or rubbermaid containers.
So how many gallons would you recommend? Or just that container photo you showed will work? How many seeds could I plant in that? Just fit as many as I can with 2" spacing all around?

[applestar]

I think bunching onion spacing is more than that because they are usually perennial and form a clump rather than a single plant like bulbing onions. I was going to check my seed packet for you but my cat is napping on the seedbox!

Probably a good idea to sow something like 2X or 3X the recommended final spacing and plan on harvesting the ones in between at young stage.

[Imperialboy]

Alrighty thanks.
This is my first time with onions so need all the info I can get.

Do I use a final container like the one Double posted? Then just space it.
Please check the packet for me when convenient please~

[DoubleDogFarm]

Ok, Clarification. Are we talking scallion / bunching onions or multiplier onions?

I've been talking about young onions that a small bulb and tops are used.

I'm confused.

Eric

[Imperialboy]

LOl.
Bunching onions in the title!

https://www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/image5.png

[DoubleDogFarm]

Ok, We now have that straight. Final spacing on bunching onions is about 2".

You could sow up to 100 seeds in a 6" pot then transplant into your Rubbermaid.

Eric

[Kisal]

I've never heard of "bunching onions". I know the ones in the pic as spring onions or green onions.

[Imperialboy]

Eh, I've known them for bunching tho
Whats weird is, I remember the packet saying to not start indoors. Don't thin and to plant directly.

I'm confused what to do now..

[DoubleDogFarm]

Quit it! I can't stand it any longer!!

So many words for the same darn thing.


Eric

[Imperialboy]

LOL.
So what do I do now??

[applestar]

Different types of "bunching" onions: https://www.kitazawaseed.com/seeds_bunching_onion.html

I'm thinking of the ones you leave in the ground to clump like chives. The younger/immature ones can be harvested to thin the spacing. Eric, I think you're thinking in terms of harvesting for market as they grow, while I tend to think "perennial vegetable".

Unfortunately Kitazawa website doesn't offer spacing recommendations. Maybe Territorial will?

Nope, found the relevant info at Southern Exposure Seed Exchange:

Bunching Onions
Bunching onions are perennial onions which divide at ground level in the same manner as multiplier onions. Unlike multiplier onions they do not form large bulbs. The bases of bunching onions are slightly enlarged, like scallions. Once established, clumps need only be divided periodically.

Culture: See Cultural Notes for bulb onions from seed. For easiest weeding, space clumps of 10 seeds 6-12" apart. Bunching onions are cold-hardy and may be left in the ground year-round where the ground doesn't freeze. Where the ground does freeze, most varieties should be transplanted into a greenhouse or cold frame and moved out again in the spring.

[DoubleDogFarm]

Apple,

I'm growing Red Beard a bunching onion. Seed from Territorial. Though it could be treated as a perennial, I'm growing them as annuals.

Kisal is correct. Around here the pictured onions are known as green onions.

I-boy, What variety onion are you growing??

Eric

[Imperialboy]

The ones I have are Onion Bunching/ Scallion White Lisbon.
60-100 days bulb.

So the instructions say to plant as early as possible.
Seed spacing: 1/2"
Row spacing: 12-18"
Thin: Do not thin.

What should I do in containers? Just plant them in that rubbermaid container DDFarm?

[Imperialboy]

So then I just plant in rubbermaid that is 6-8" inch deep? with 1/2" inch apart or 6" inch for seeds?

[DoubleDogFarm]

I-boy,

If we over think everything, nothing will get done.

I would take the Rubbermaid fill it with dampened soil mix. Pat it all down all around and in the corners. Next take your packet of seed and broadcast across the soil surface. Lastly, cover the seed with just a dusting of soil mix. You may or may not what to cover with plastic, I would not. Thin as needed and eat them.

Eric

[Imperialboy]

Good advice.
I'll set them 2" apart then.

Time to go buy a container!