Helping onion crops mature

Press, 31 January 1986, Page 14

Helping onion crops mature

GARDENING

by

M.Lusty

It is already time to think about the final phase in the development of the onion. Normally, one would expect this process to commence about now but this year it may be a little more difficult because of the good growing conditions. Water should be withheld from now on to enable the onion bulbs to harden. As they reach the last stage in their firming process the tips generally start to wither but this can be furthered by bending the tops over. Cultivars which are not so suitable for long storage can be pulled and used as required. These include Ailsa Craig, Californian Red and White Lisbon. Established long keepers such as Pukekohe Longkeeper (which is now known as M and R regular longkeepers) Brown Spanish and Giant Rocca should be left on the ground

surface for a week or two after pulling, to dry and harden. They should be turned periodically to ensure even preparation. Regrettably, I made a ;

premature reference to the seeding of Clematis vitalba two weeks ago in conjunction with a photograph of a plant at this stage of its development.

Hugh Wilson has kindly pointed out that it seeded later. I hope that readers took note of this correction and did not remove the wrong plants.

These Pukekeohe longkeeper onions are in fine form for the table.