XXIII 

 ONIONS AND CHIVES 



THERE are several sorts of onions: the top 

 onions that do not form like an ordinary bulb 

 but are produced on the flower-stalk in the place 

 of real blossoms ; the multiplier onions which have 

 more than one heart; and sets which are merely 

 partially developed onions. Early spring onions 

 may be grown from seed, but to save time they 

 are usually developed from these sets. The sets 

 are grown the summer before and are started from 

 seeds. The seed is scattered so closely and so 

 near the surface that through over-crowding and 

 from lack of food and moisture, growth is arrested 

 while the bulbs are small. The tops soon die and 

 the tiny onions are ready to be cured and stored. 

 The partial growth of the onions makes them 

 ready for quick development in the early spring. 

 The multiplier or potato onions are also good for 

 early tops for each heart produces a separate 

 bunch of fresh stalks. The top onions or bulblets 

 are also good for early planting. All of these un- 

 usual sorts of onions are satisfactory for quick 

 growth of fresh tops and crisp, appetizing bulbs 

 for early salad. 



167 



