176 



THE ONION GROUP 



form seed stalks, but produce normal, well-matured bulbs that 

 cannot be distinguished from those grown directly from seed. 

 Very small sets do not make as vigorous a start as larger ones. It 

 is therefore advisable to plant as large sets as can be depended 

 upon not to run to seed. Experience has shown that sets from 

 one-half to three-fourths inch in diameter are a satisfactory size 

 to use for the production of ripe onions. This size is secured by 

 screening the sets first through a three-quarter-inch sieve, then pas- 

 sing them over a half-inch screen . Onl}^ a small percentage of sets of 

 this size will send up seed stalks, and they are large enough to make 

 a quick start and produce large bulbs before the weather is very hot. 



Fig. 111. 



-Unions from sets, harvested and ruriug, hl ilic lei 

 vigorously, at the right. 



Planting the Sets. — For growing a crop of ripe onions from 

 sets, the land should be prepared the same as for sowing onion 

 seed, then marked out in rows twelve inches apart, and the sets 

 planted by hand. The only precaution necessary in planting sets 

 is to place them right side up and push them far enough into the 

 ground so that the base from which the roots are to start will be in 

 close contact with moist soil. For the production of large onions 

 the sets are planted about three inches apart in the row. After 

 the sets are placed, soil is drawn lightly against them with a rake. 



