144 



MISCELLANEOUS COOL PLANTS. 



ONION. 



We have had good success in growing multiplier or 

 potato onions under glass, planting them in a lettuce bed, 

 where they will give bunch onions in six or seven weeks. 

 In a warmer temperature, they become very strong in 

 flavor. We have not been able to accomplish any useful 

 results with onions from seeds, however, because they 

 grow too slow and are not inclined to bottom. Neither 

 have we succeeded with onions from sets, although we 

 have given them a fair trial in different houses. The fol- 

 lowing statements upon forcing onions from sets are by 

 W. Van Fleet, of New Jersey, in answer to inquiries re- 

 specting the forcing of bunch onions for winter market :* 



"Three or four inches is about as thick as they can be 

 grown ; 3 x 6 is safer. If grown 3x4 inches, alternate rows 

 may be taken out as soon as large enough for market. 

 Use one-fourth to one-third rotted manure, the rest good, 

 sandy garden loam or rotted sods ; 1-50 bone dust, or 1-150 

 (in bulk) good fertilizer may be added after growth has 

 begun. They can endure more cold than lettuce or rad- 

 ishes, but are easily checked by low temperature when in 

 full growth. Give them an average of 70 F. As the 

 leaves do not cover the soil and prevent evaporation, there 

 is little danger from over watering ; nevertheless, onions 

 do not like sodden ground. Have the benches well 

 drained ; water thoroughly, and let the top soil dry per- 

 ceptibly before repeating. The quick-growing American 

 varieties give best results ; Philadelphia, Silverskin and 

 Yellow Globe Danvers are excellent. The sets should be 

 carefully selected, of uniform shape, and less than one-half 

 inch in diameter. Onions are rarely forced under glass 

 now, and are of doubtful profit, owing to competition from 

 the Egyptian and other hardy perennial onions, which grow 

 throughout the winter in the south and are shipped to the 

 northern markets as early as February. There is a possible 



Rural New-Yorker, liii. 777 (December 8. 1894). 



