Onions can be grown as seedlings at home. To do this, you need to plant seeds. Despite the fact that this process is lengthy, gardeners note good seedling yields. Also, the seedling method of growing onions preserves the characteristics of the variety.
Advantages and disadvantages of this method
At the dacha, onion sets are more often used, but not all summer residents know that planting with seeds is also popular. The advantages of this method include:
- the vegetative period of crop maturation is reduced;
- the variety does not lose its characteristics;
- seedlings quickly take root;
- large bulbs;
- onions are stored during the winter;
- less money is spent on purchasing seeds;
- the plant is less susceptible to diseases.
Among the positive aspects there are also negative ones. These include the need to purchase seeds and timely planting them in containers for seedlings. Planting of seeds must be carried out no later than the end of February. This will result in healthy seedlings and reduce spoilage.
Despite the fact that seedlings need to be looked after, this procedure is gaining popularity and allows you to get a decent harvest.
How to grow seedlings correctly
In order to get healthy seedlings, you must follow the following recommendations:
- buy seeds. More often, such onion seeds are called nigella and are sold in specialized stores;
- soak the nigella in a light solution of manganese for 20 minutes, since this process increases immunity to diseases and accelerates the process of sprouting;
- a mixture consisting of equal parts of humus and turf must be placed in the container;
- seeds are planted in holes 2 pieces each. The distance between the holes should be at least 2-3 cm;
- the container is placed on the windowsill and covered with a film;
- it is necessary to water every 2 days. Spray water with a spray bottle - this reduces the risk of damage;
- 3 weeks after the shoots appear, they must be fed with a light solution of nitrophoska.
Seedlings do not require complex care and are rarely susceptible to diseases. Can be grown on a windowsill or in special greenhouses. When to transplant into open ground
In order for the seedlings to take root and yield a harvest, transplanting into open ground must be done no later than 60 days after sowing. Otherwise, the seedlings may become weak and will not have time to form a bulb.
Each gardener decides for himself how to grow onions. However, the seedling method has advantages and pleases with a large harvest. Gardeners also note that such bulbs are less susceptible to rotting and are stored during the winter.
