Your comments and tips

21 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Onions are generally fairly easy to germinate. They need to be planted about 3 times their diameter with soil. A good way to do this is to sprinkle the seed over a small area that has been broken up and is very fine then cover with some more fine soil. Keep the soil damp but not wet. When the seedlings emerge they will be very fine like a needle. keep them damp but not wet as they may get fungus problems. A spot that gets some sunshine and a bit of airflow is good. They will take about 4-6 weeks before they are ready to transplant into rows in the garden. They will take about 6 months to be ready to harvest and store (when the tops flop over and start to dry). I hope this helps. Don't hesitate to ask questions, we are here to help.

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25 Feb 17, Eric ryan (Australia - temperate climate)

Can I grow onion in Hervey bay qld the sweet variety preferably

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26 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Onions like a cooler climate but you could try Creamgold (Pukekohe) in late March or April for late spring/early summer harvest. As an alternative try shallots or potato onions. Onions don't like too much manure/fertiliser and need an open sunny spot with good airflow to avoid mildew problems. All the best.

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20 Feb 17, michael kearns (Australia - temperate climate)

Which type of onion is better. brown or yellow

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20 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

They are both good depending on what your intended use is. Brown onions are often smaller and more pungent but Creamgold (Pukekoe), the creamy yellow one is larger with a smoother flavour. I suppose you could say Creamgold is the ideal BBQ onion as it onlly needs light frying. It is entirely a matter of personal preference. Trust this helps.

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01 Feb 17, Grace (Australia - temperate climate)

I'm looking at onions. Temperate area. Cohuna vic. What isnthe difference between the "transplant seedlings" and "plant in garden"? Hmmm. Or does the "plant in garden" mean I can plant seed straight into the garden instead of growing them now in seed trays?

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04 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Any seeds planted directly into the garden will do better than transplants because they don't get any transplant shock. Having said that it is not easy to sow onion seed far enough apart to achieve this without thinning. Seed sown directly into the ground in friable soil will do a lot better than tray grown seedlings generally because moisture is easier to keep more consistent. these can then be transplanted. Trust this helps and is not too confusing.

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29 Jan 17, Anthony (Australia - temperate climate)

I am keen on growing brown onions at home in Sydney..i have been reading up on onions and found that there are long day short day and intermediate day varieties...which verity best suits Sydney this winter and even next summer...Also whats the best variety of onion that best suits Sydney....Im near Parramatta... Also where would the best place to get seeds for this variety of onion... Thankyou....

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04 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

We are south of Sydney but I think it would be about the same. Check the seed packets or catalogue when purchasing. Feb-Mar - Early White Barletta, Erly Flat White (salad onion) Apr-May - Golden Globe, Hunter River White, Hunter River Brown, Gladalan Brown Apr-Jul - Odourless, Calred (Californian Red), Pearl Pickler May-Jul - White Spanish, Australian Brown, Brown Spanish Jun-Jul - Pukekohe (Creamgold) Jul-Sep - Ailsa Craig, White Spanish, All Year - White Lisbon, Long White Bunching (spring onion) I am indebted to Norman de Vaus for this information. He has a seed company called New Gippsland Seed Farm which you should be able to find on the internet. Trust this helps.

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04 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

We are further south than Sydney but the following list should be a good guide for you. Also check the packet or seed catalogue for what is right for Sydney when purchasing. Feb-Mar - Early Flat White (salad onion), Early Barletta Apr-May - Golden Globe, Hunter River White, Hunter River Brown, Gladalan Brown Apr-Jul - Odourless, Calred (Californian Red) May-Jul - White Spanish, Australian Brown (Brown Spanish) Jun-Jul - Pukekohe (Creamgold) Jul-Sep - Ailsa Craig, Prizetaker, White Spanish All Year - Long White Bunching - Spring onions (thin like a pencil) These are seed sowing t

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