Medium-late onion variety with very large heads “Exhibition”

More than a hundred varieties of onions are found in garden plots. Some vegetable growers prefer old, proven crops, while others experiment with new products. At the same time, the advantages of the Exhibition variety are recognized by both. It is high-yielding and suitable for cultivation in all regions. Large sweet onions are of particular value.

What kind of variety is this

Exhibition - salad variety, the bulbs of which are consumed in their pure form.

Origin and development

This mid-late onion was selected in Holland seed company Bejo Zaden. In 2000, the variety was included in the State Register of the Russian Federation.

Composition and beneficial properties

Vegetable crop has a rich chemical composition:

• B vitamins, which have a beneficial effect on the health of skin, nails and hair, supporting metabolism and brain function;
• vitamin E with antioxidant properties;
• vitamin C, which improves immunity;
• vitamin PP, which normalizes the amount of sugar and cholesterol in the blood;
• fiber, which cleanses the body of toxins and toxic substances;
• essential oils and organic acids;
• macro- and microelements: zinc, iodine, iron, potassium and others, which support the functioning of the endocrine, cardiovascular and nervous systems, metabolism.

The composition of the onion does not change after heat treatment.

Ripening time

From the emergence of mass shoots to harvest Luka Exhibition lasts on average 4 months.

Productivity

If the rules of agricultural technology are observed, the variety is highly productive: its marketable yield is up to 4.5 kg/m².

Disease resistance

Under certain conditions (high humidity levels, sudden temperature changes) Exhibition is capable of getting sick onion smut, rot, downy mildew.

Characteristics

The main feature of the variety is the size of the bulbs. Each weight is 170–550 g. Giant specimens weighing up to 800 g are also often found. The vegetables themselves are slightly oblong, smooth, and light yellow in color on the outside. Juicy scales are white. The husk is thin and adheres tightly. The taste of onions is sweet and juicy, without bitterness.

What regions is it suitable for?

Exhibition does not tolerate low temperatures, but is approved for cultivation throughout the country. It is planted in greenhouses regardless of the weather, but in open ground only after the ground has warmed up sufficiently. In most regions of Russia this is the second half of April.

In Siberia, the Urals and more northern latitudes, wait until mid-May to avoid freezing the plants. Even then, it is better to prepare small arches over the bed to protect the plantings in case of frost.

Other onion varieties:

Time-tested variety of onions “Karatalsky”

Varieties of onion varieties “Family” and their characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Virtues of culture:

• high productivity;
• large bulb sizes;
• pleasant sweetish taste of vegetables;
• good transportability in small containers;
• possibility of planting both in spring and before winter.

There are also disadvantages:

• short shelf life: onions are prone to sprouting;
• demands on nutrition, watering and certain growing conditions;
• the need to treat plantings with pesticides against pests and diseases.

Sometimes the large size of the bulbs is also considered a disadvantage.

Difference from other varieties

A characteristic feature of the Exhibition variety - large size and sweet taste of the bulbs. Due to the content of essential oils, cutting the vegetable does not irritate the mucous membrane of the eyes.

Features of planting and growing

Buy seed only in specialized stores and from trusted sellers.

Preparing for landing

Depends on proper preparation and compliance with growing rules. quality of the future harvest.

Important! Exhibition onions are planted in open ground as seedlings; the optimal sowing time is at the end of February.

Prepare seeds for seedling cultivation in stages:

1. Calibrated.
2. Disinfect in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 20 minutes.
3. Soak in a growth stimulator.
4. Wash with warm water and lay out on a damp cloth for 2-3 days for germination.
5. Dry it a little.

Boxes for seedlings are filled with a mixture of black soil, peat and compost. Long grooves are made in moist soil at a distance of 2 cm from each other, one seed is planted every 1.5 cm, and sprinkled with earth. The container is covered with film, placed in a warm place and wait for shoots to appear.

Water the seedlings as the top soil layer dries. When the third leaf is formed, the seedlings are shortened, leaving only 1/3 of the length of the feather. Two weeks before diving into open ground, the onion is hardened by taking it to a cooler room for 15–20 minutes. Gradually the time is increased to two hours.

Soil requirements

The future harvest suffers greatly from an incorrectly selected site. The place for the garden bed is chosen on the sunny side. The soil should be nutritious and non-acidic. Starting in the fall, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers and humus are added to it, everything is dug deep.

Read also:

Mid-season onion variety “Carmen” with a mildly pungent taste

High-yielding onion variety “Shetana” for long-term storage

Landing dates and rules

In the formed bed, holes are made according to the pattern 20*30 cm, ash and superphosphate are placed in them. Lumps of earth are inserted into the holes along with seedlings to a depth of 2-3 cm. The plants are sprinkled with earth on top and moistened. The area is covered with film.

Specific Planting times depend on the region and its climatic conditions. The main thing is that the earth warms up to +10°C.

Features of cultivation

When cultivating onions before winter, the beds are insulated straw, sawdust, dry mullein. As soon as the snow melts in the spring, the mulch is removed. In the south, such shelter is not made, since the soil rarely freezes.

Nuances of care

Exhibition is high maintenance. It needs constant loosening, weed and pest control, watering and fertilizing.

Watering mode

On average, onion beds are watered once every 15–20 days in the evening. During the dry season, plantings are irrigated every other day.

Attention! Only warm water is used.

Approximately a month before harvest, watering is stopped.

Loosening and weeding

After moistening, the beds are loosenedwithout touching the roots and bulbs. The beds and row-spacings are kept clean, regularly weeded to remove weeds.

Feeding

Fertilize the crop once every 2-3 weeks. 20 days after planting, add a solution of mullein (one bucket per 15 buckets of water) with 1 tbsp. l. superphosphate per bucket of mixture. After another three weeks, complex mineral fertilizers are used. A month before harvest, all fertilizing is stopped.

Disease and pest control

The variety is susceptible to such diseases, like rot, onion smut, downy mildew. Dangerous pests include nematodes and onion flies.

For prevention, follow the watering regime and monitor the density of plantings., vegetables are treated with insecticides and biological preparations. The beds are sprinkled with lime flour or a mixture of tobacco, pepper and ash. The onion fly is repelled by marigolds and nasturtiums planted around the perimeter of the site.

Attention! Plants are treated with chemicals only if feathers are not used for food.

Harvest and storage

Despite the fact that the variety has low shelf life, it is important to follow the basic rules for harvesting and storing the crop so that the efforts made are not in vain.

How and when to collect

Harvesting time for Exhibition onions depends on the region. In Siberia or the Urals this is done at the end of August-September. In warmer latitudes - in July-early August.

Reference. If the feathers turn yellow and lie on the ground, the onion is ready for harvesting.

Vegetables are taken out of the ground in dry weather, since they are dried in the sun for several days. Then they are transferred to a ventilated area and continue to dry. The entire procedure takes up to three weeks. Its shelf life depends on how well the onion dries. The feathers of dried vegetables are trimmed, leaving a high neck.

Basic signs that onions are ready for storage:

• the husk became smooth and rustling;
• the neck is dry;
• the surface of the vegetables is hard and dry.

Storage features and shelf life

Maximum Shelf life of Exhibition onions is no more than four months. Therefore, optimal conditions for storage are created indoors:

• good air circulation;
• temperature - about +4°C;
• air humidity - 70% (onions will wither in dry air, rot in humid air).

Fine basement or cellar suitable.

Store onions in small hanging nets or in baskets or boxes with ash.Many people braid it or put it in nylon stockings.

Difficulties in growing

Cultivation of the Exhibition variety from seed and soil preparation to harvest storage requires constant monitoring by the grower. It is important to monitor the seedlings, water them regularly, remove diseased plants in a timely manner, and sort through the collected onions so as not to miss spoiled specimens.

Advice from experienced gardeners

Experienced farmers who have been growing this variety for several years recommend:

• alternate onion beds with carrots: this will protect the plantings from the onion fly;
• plant the crop where watermelons, melons, pumpkins, zucchini or peas previously grew;
• create drainage in the area so that liquid does not stagnate.

Reviews

Exhibition onions delight farmers with their size, taste and presentation, and high productivity. Some note different germination rates of seeds depending on the company.

Akulina, Iskitim: “For the fifth year now, I have been planting Exhibition onions from the Planet Seed company in my garden. I came across this variety by accident: my daughter bought 2 bags in one of the stores. When I read the description and looked at the picture, I decided that this was just an advertisement. But once the seeds are there, they need to be planted.

I grew it for seedlings, as the manufacturer advises. I was very pleased with the 100% germination rate. The sprouts were all preserved and did not hurt in any way. To make the onion larger, the feather was not torn off. The crop ripened early. I was very surprised and delighted by the bountiful harvest. The fruits are simply gigantic! I had specimens from 500 g. The onions are tasty and not bitter, they lasted until the New Year. When I found out how useful it is, I wanted to grow only this variety.”.

Svetlana, Yurga: “I bought a packet of Exhibition seeds, and at the end of February I started growing them for seedlings.Planted in the ground at the beginning of May. I cut off 1/3 of the roots and the top of the plants. Further care: weeding, watering and mulching with humus. The harvest turned out good. The bulbs, as they say, are in marketable condition. The description of the variety and the photo on the packaging correspond to reality. The taste didn't disappoint either".

Elena, Moscow: “I read rave reviews about Exhibition onion seeds from Aelita and decided to grow them for the first time this year. I followed all the care requirements, but only 5 sprouts sprouted from three bags. I will plant onions again, but I won’t buy Aelita seeds.”.

Conclusion

Exhibition onions attract vegetable growers with their size and sweet taste without bitterness. It will perfectly complement any dish, especially during cold season. If all growing rules are followed, Exhibition produces a rich harvest that will last at least until mid-winter.