Growing Onion Varieties (continued page 4)

Which Type of Onion To Sow or Grow?
Consult the table below to weigh up the good and bad points of onion varieties from seed and onions from sets.

If you are a beginner, try the heat-treated onion sets first. These are easiest to care for and will give you the best chance of success.

ONION SETS ONION SEED

Fewer varieties, and restricted to the major seed merchants. Greater choice of varieties from a large number of suppliers

More expensive Cheaper

More reliable performance all round, less work Less reliable, more chance of failure. Harder work

Can be infected with disease when 
bought. Seeds are disease free.

Type Variety Colour Comments

Maincrop seed Ailsa Craig Gold/straw Good for exhibition, but not particularly easy 

  Rijnsburger Gold/straw Keeps well - good all-rounder

  Kamal Red Great taste and lovely red colour. This now replaces Dobies All Rounder as our favourite onion seed. From Suttons.

  Red Baron Red NIAB approved - keeps well and good colour

Maincrop sets Centurion Gold/straw Reliable in poor weather conditions

  Orion Gold/straw Available as heat treated - good all rounder

Spring 
Onion Lisbon White Good all-rounder, reliable

Japanese Onion Express Yellow Gold/straw Matures early summer, excellent.