Over Winter Planting Onion Seeds

Question

Hi~! I read your article on winter planting and think I did everything correctly. I planted onion seeds in two of those plastic containers with a clear top and black bottom.  I poked holes in the bottom and pre wet my potting mix. I did this in November before the snow started flying.  I brought the containers inside a few weeks ago because the weather was flip flopping really cold and warm.  I’ve put the containers outside when it’s been sunny and over 50 degrees. My seeds are either dead or will not germinate.  I planted Wala Wala and  Red Long of Tropea. I should mention that I live in Northern PA near Lake Erie (NW PA).  lots of snow. I expected a small crop of green by now. What did I do wrong? Do you think my seeds are dead? Should I just replant? I also directly seeded in the garden in late November, with the same results.  No germination. Please advise, Mike

Answer 1

I think you tried the wrong type of onions. Walla Walla don't tolerate below -10 degrees F. The article on winter onions below says to use bulbs and gives some popular varieties. They also must have full sun. If you pull them indoors, they probably need supplemental light. Here is more:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/onion/growing-onions-in-container-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/onion/growing-winter-onions.htm