onion seed failure

13 years ago

We planted three different kinds of onion: candy, patterson, and claret. All were planted in a type of peat based potting soil mix that we have used to start all our other seeds for years. They were started in some aluminum pans with a soil depth of about 3". Initially we had the pans in the basement where it was cooler, but were getting no germination. We moved them upstairs into the warmth and germination was pretty uniform.

Being concerned that they were maybe getting too much light, we moved them back downstairs on heat mats and under grow lights which are on about 10 hours a day. Today it appears that practically all have died.

Any thoughts as to what might have gone wrong? Luckily, we've still got some seed that we were going to direct seed as a test to see how much the advance germination helped us. I guess I could still buy more seed, but I'd like to figure out what went wrong if I can.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

jimster
13 years ago
I am not certain what caused your plants to die but I can offer some suggestions based on my experience.

I doubt your plants were getting too much light. Full sun would not be too much.

I consider 14 hours per day to be minimum for seedlings under grow lights.

Onions need to be started in January or early February. I think it's too late to start seed for this year, except maybe for scallions.

Jim
wolverine1012
Original Author
13 years ago
Any other thoughts on this? I know it's too late to start again this year, but I'd like to make corrections for next year.
Related Professionals
Cambridge Landscape Contractors · Downey Landscape Contractors · Rochester Landscape Contractors · Rockwall Landscape Contractors · Antioch Landscape Contractors · Hainesport General Contractors · Burlington General Contractors · Ames General Contractors · Catonsville General Contractors · Fremont General Contractors · Havelock General Contractors · Montclair General Contractors · Newburgh General Contractors · Valley Stream General Contractors · Waianae General Contractors
seysonn
13 years ago
Onions, being cold weather crops, need only moderate temperatures to germinate. I would say 65F. But once germinated and sprouted a bit, should be kept cooler than say,tomatoes, peppers etc. But they will need the light. I would say an unhited garage type of location would be good.
Once the seedlings are established, they can be planted in the garden AFTER HARDENNING THEM OFF. Obviously, if out side temperatures are very cold, they will not grow substantially but will survive frigit temperatures.