When your Allium cepa start to flower , it means that they have entered the bolting stage . decamp is a instinctive operation where the onion plant plant starts acquire a flower stalk in an attempt to reproduce and set seeds . However , this can be undesirable if you are growing onions for their bulb rather than for seed yield . So , what should you do with onions that have flowered ?
1 . bring down off the flower on top : One option is to simply cut off the flower chaff at its root word . Use a sharp dyad of pruning shears or a knife to make a clean deletion . By removing the flower , you forestall the onion plant from producing seed and deviate its vigour back into the bulb . This method acting allow the onion plant to stay in the ground and continue arise , but it wo n’t re-start electric-light bulb growth or make the Allium cepa any larger .
2 . Cut the entire bolting stem : Another approach is to veer the entire bolting stem , rather than just removing the flower . This involves cut off the stem near the base of the plant , just above the ground level . By doing so , you insure that no push is do in on seminal fluid production . However , this method acting will also keep the onion from develop any further , as it in effect stop its growth .
3 . Leave the onion in the earth : After move out the flower or cutting the bolting stem turn , you’re able to pick out to leave the onion in the land for a few weeks . Although the onion plant wo n’t uphold bulbing or get any larger , it will “ keep ” in the priming and can be used later . This is particularly useful if you have a surplus of onions or if you want to extend their warehousing life . Leaving them in the ground allows the outer layers to dry and cure , making them more suited for long - terminus storage .
4 . Harvest and apply immediately : If you prefer to use your onions in good order out , you may harvest them as before long as they go bolting . The bulbs may be modest than expected , but they are still edible . Simply tailor off the flush or bolt root word , mildly dig up the onion bulbs , and wash them . you could use these smaller onions in cooking or recipes that call for smaller - sized onions .
5 . Save seeds for succeeding planting : If you are concerned in seed deliverance and want to grow onions from source in the future , you’re able to admit some of your Allium cepa to go to source . earmark the prime to in full develop and eventually dry out out . Once the cum forefront turn brown and dry , harvest them and store the seeds in a cool , dry place . These seeds can then be planted in the following season to grow a new pot of onions .
When your Allium cepa start to flower , you have several options . you’re able to cut off the blossom on top or cut the entire bolting bow to prevent come yield . Leaving the onion in the background after removing the bloom or stem allows it to “ keep ” and be used after . or else , you’re able to harvest the onions forthwith , even if they are smaller in size . Lastly , if you are interested in seed saving , you could let some onions to go to seed and harvest the seed for next planting . Choose the method that suits your need and druthers .
Caroline Bates
