Richard's Onions?

Hello!

My BF's mom gave me some onions this spring that originated on a farm in Stuart, VA.

We've received other plants and seed from things grown there. We consider them to be heirloom as Richard's mother, Bessie, grew everything herself from seed. She lived there for over 50 years before she passed away. Richard passed last year at age 86.

I'm not one generally to take up bulbs to overwinter inside. I had some of Richard's onions in a pot, and they made some bulb-lets. Gave some to my neighbor too who likes to cook with onions, but they are so tiny she was displeased with the results and gave them back to me today. :P

Could they be stored in a paper bag overwinter in the bsmt?

I don't want to lose Richard's onions. My BF's mom was so overcome with emotion when she gave them to me she cried because she loved Richard and his family so much. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

~Amanda

Amanda

I know some types of onions are planted in the fall - some are planted in the spring. Do you have enough bulbs to plant now and to also overwinter in a bag in the basement? I am wondering if keeping a bag in the fridge might work too and then pot them up early Spring and put them out when the weather has changed.

Thanks Carolyn...

Some have green tips - the bulblets.

The ones my neighbor gave back to me have the plant parts still attached. I'll cut those off.

I've got enough to experiment with, sure. I didn't notice them bloom at all. Last year I planted a regular onion in one of my beds - didn't know what it would do - but being in the allium family I figured it would bloom and it did!

Big pretty white ball of flowers. :)

Sounds like I'll have to carry them around this way for the sake of preservation, but I promised and so I will. Maybe I'll learn to like to cook with them.