Onions not falling over, but shriveling up

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Posted by bart1 6/7 Northern VA (My Page) on

Mon, Aug 4, 14 at 5:05

The first few times I've grown onions, they fell over at harvest time just like they're supposed to. The last few years however have been different and the leaves remain standing straight up, but they sort of shrivel and dry out from the tip end.

What's going on here?
Did I do something wrong in the growing season to prevent them from falling over as they normally do?

If the leaves are drying and dwindling, should I go ahead and harvest now?

Thanks!
BArt

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RE: Onions not falling over, but shriveling up

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Posted by planatus 6 (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 4, 14 at 8:26

If you feel the neck 2 inches above the bulb, at the place where the onions should be falling over, you will notice a thin spot if the onions are ready to go down. I think when moist weather prevails a lot of times they don't fall without help.

RE: Onions not falling over, but shriveling up

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Posted by farmerdill (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 4, 14 at 12:40

The other possibilty is the development of seed stalks (bolting). Once this happens the stiff stalk will not fall over on its own.

RE: Onions not falling over, but shriveling up

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Posted by wayne_5 6a.IN (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 4, 14 at 13:03

I have a few like that, but most have fallen over now [Candy). They are excellent again this year.

RE: Onions not falling over, but shriveling up

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Posted by tdscpa z5 NWKS (My Page) on
Tue, Aug 5, 14 at 2:56

Do you grow from sets or from transplants? Did you change?

Shrivel? Have you watered them?

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